y thing connected with
flooding the magazines, are in order, and acquaint himself with their
position and mode of operation; the lighting apparatus cleaned and
dried; and particularly that the glasses for transmitting light into
the magazines and shell-rooms are clear and without fracture; that the
light burns clearly, and the box is well ventilated; and shall report
to the Ordnance Officer when the magazines are ready to receive the
ammunition. (_See_ Chap. II., Part III.)
OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DIVISIONS.
29. OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DIVISIONS OF GUNS are required to make
themselves thoroughly conversant with every particular relating to the
equipment, exercise, and management of the guns, as set forth in these
instructions, and especially to familiarize themselves with the
charges prescribed and the ranges given in the Tables; the principles
and practice of pointing guns under all circumstances, and also with
every precaution connected with the use of shells, and of percussion
and time fuzes.
30. They are carefully to inspect their divisions when called to
quarters for inspection or exercise, and see that every thing is, at
all times, in place and in order for service; and in case of
discovering any defect or deficiency, will report it to the Executive
Officer.
31. They will be careful, when instructing the men at quarters, to
require a strict adherence to the prescribed mode of performing their
duties, and to all the details of execution, in order that general
uniformity and the efficiency dependent on it may be secured. When the
individuals of the guns' crews have become expert in the performance
of their particular duties, then each man shall be instructed by the
officer of his division, until he shall have become acquainted with
the special duties of every station at the gun.
32. They are at least once a week to examine the guns and all the iron
work of the carriages, and see that they are kept free from rust, and
especially the eccentric axles, elevating screws, and pivot-bolts,
which must be protected by a mixture of tallow and white-lead, or
other similar coating. The cap-squares must be frequently removed, the
guns lifted and the trunnions cleaned; the elevating screws oiled, but
never cleaned with brick or emery paper.
Once a quarter at least, all the connecting bolts, such as cap-square,
bracket, breast, and transom bolts, are to be examined and tightened
if they require it. To do this it is nec
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