above and
near the right, steadying the piece, fingers extended and joined,
forearm and wrist straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the
right hand grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece
gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the
side, and take the position of order arms.

Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the ground, or
other similar abuse of the rifle to produce effect in executing the
manual, is prohibited.

Fourth. The cadence of the motions is that of quick time; the recruits
are first required to give their whole attention to the details of the
motions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become
accustomed to handling their pieces. The instructor may require them
to count aloud in cadence with the motions.

Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are, for the
purpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail;
in this case the command of _execution_ determines the prompt
execution of the first motion, and the commands, _two_, _three_,
_four_, that of the other motions.

To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions: _By
the numbers_; all movements divided into motions are then executed as
above explained until he cautions: _Without the numbers_; or commands
movements other than those in the manual of arms.

Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of the
manual of arms and the firings may be ordered without regard to the
previous position of the piece.

Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the rifle may be
carried in any manner directed.

77. _Position of order arms standing:_ The butt rests evenly on the
ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on a line with toe of, and
touching, the right shoe, arms and hands hanging naturally, right hand
holding the piece between the thumb and fingers.

78. Being at order arms: 1. _Present_, 2. _ARMS_.

With the right hand carry the piece in front of the center of the
body, barrel to the rear and vertical, grasp it with the left hand at
the balance, forearm horizontal and resting against the body. (_TWO_)
Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand.

79. Being at order arms: 1. _Port_, 2. _ARMS_.

With the right hand raise and throw the piece diagonally across the
body, grasp it smartly with both hands; the right, palm down, at the
small of the stock; the left, palm up, at the balance;