aising the breech by means
of a wooden toggle placed vertically under it. One end of a
tripping-line is fastened to the middle of the toggle, and the other
to the breeching-bolt in the side of the ship; by this arrangement the
toggle is tripped from its place at the commencement of the recoil,
and the muzzle is raised so as to clear the port-sill by the
preponderance of the breech.

NINTH COMMAND.

"READY--FIRE!"

_"Waits patiently for the coincidence of the sights upon the object."_

309. The exact moment for firing, at sea, necessarily varies with
circumstances; but when these are favorable the following general
principles should govern:

310. When the ship is steady, the gun should be fired when the line of
sight is brought upon the object; but when the ship has much rolling
motion, the moment for firing should be chosen a little before, so
that the shot will probably leave the gun when the roll brings the
line of sight upon the object aimed at.

When practicable, and too much time will not be lost, it will be best
to fire when the vessel is on the top of a wave and just begins to
roll towards the object. If the loss of time should be found
objectionable, the gun may be fired at any other instant, when
properly pointed, giving a preference, however, to the moment when
rolling towards rather than when rolling from the object, and making
due allowance for the probable change of elevation by the roll of the
ship before the shot leaves the gun.

311. If, from any cause, the firing should be delayed after the gun
has been pointed, it should be carefully pointed again before the
order to fire is given.

312. The great object is to fire low enough to strike the hull if the
shot preserve the intended direction, and as a general rule to strike
it near the water-line.

313. To avoid loss of shot from lateral deviations, it is recommended
to direct all the guns to be pointed to strike somewhere between the
fore and mizzen masts of an enemy; when quite near, the guns of the
forward divisions should be pointed in preference to that part of the
hull about the foremast, and one or two of the after guns at the
rudder, if it should be fairly exposed.

REMARKS ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FIRING.

314. FIRING AT WILL.--By this is meant firing the guns independently
of each other, each Captain of a gun seizing the most favorable
opportunity. This firing should always be used in action--unless
ordered to the contrary--w