ecial care is to be taken by the Inspector that it has
both the necessary stiffness to act efficiently and elastically
enough, when pressed home, to yield sufficiently to allow the bristles
to act also. Spiral spaces extending the whole length of the
sponge-head, including the portion adapted to the main bore in
chambered guns, are to be left, in order to bring out the unconsumed
portions of cartridges. These spaces must be left-handed like the
worm.

Great care is necessary, in stowing them, to prevent the bristles from
being crushed down by contact with hard substances. For this purpose
fenders will be provided with copper tacks, on the inner end.

One will be allowed to each division, for each calibre, for cleaning
guns.

232. Sponge-staves are to be made of tough ash, 1.75 inch in diameter,
and must be 18 inches longer than the bores of the guns for which they
are intended.

233. Sponge-caps are made of duck, and, except for spar-deck guns
where they are exposed to the weather, should not be painted, but
they, as well as the staves, should be kept clean by scrubbing. A
becket should be attached to the end to haul them off by.

Sponges should be washed carefully and dried after use before putting
the caps on, and frequently examined and dried to prevent their
rotting.

ROBINSON'S WORM.

234. This worm consists of a screw, 1-1/4 inch in diameter, of two
turns, at the end of a cylindrical iron shank, with a socket and
straps riveted to the staff, which is 1.5 inch in diameter. The worm
is supported in the axis of the bore by means of a guide-ring of
composition, kept in place on the shank, six inches from the end, by a
shoulder and forelock.

Thus adjusted, it is used to draw the junk-wad and cartridge; the
latter being laid hold of by the tie, if the staff be held in the axis
of the bore, is uninjured.

When the ring is removed the worm will be equally efficient in drawing
the selvagee wad.

LADLES.

235. Ladles, when required, are to be made according to the patterns
sent to each of the Navy Yards. Ladles which may be on hand are to be
tried in drawing projectiles from the guns before they are issued for
service. The Ladle will not draw rifle projectiles, and should not be
used for that purpose.

SCRAPERS FOR BOTTOM OF BORE.

236. These consist of two steel blades, crossing each other in the
middle, and having their edges conformed to the curve of the bottom of
the bore. They are inserted in