ng
loose powder are at hand, and that those operations are performed
before the magazine is closed.

51. The tanks are never to be opened unless by special order, or when
powder is actually required for service; and then no more of the lids
are to be unscrewed than is necessary for immediate supply. The
strictest attention to this regulation is required of the Gunner, as
experience has proved that the preservation of the powder in good
condition depends upon the entire exclusion of damp air.

52. When the guns are ordered to be drawn before entering a friendly
port, the Gunner is to be particularly attentive to assure himself
that no shot or wad is left in any gun.

53. In saluting, he is to guard against accident in loading, pointing,
and firing, and to be particularly careful in reloading, where that
operation is unavoidable.

54. In the absence or illness of the Gunner, his general duties will
devolve on a Gunner's Mate, under the supervision of the Executive
Officer.

55. The Gunner shall keep a minute-book of all expenditures in the
Ordnance Department, and on Monday of each week shall submit it to the
Executive Officer for examination and approval. Within ten days after
the expiration of the quarter, he shall make out his quarterly return
in the required form, which shall be signed by him, certified correct
by the Executive Officer, approved by the Commander, and forwarded to
the Bureau by the first opportunity. At the same time the ledger shall
be posted.

56. When a vessel returns from a cruise to be refitted or repaired, or
placed in ordinary, the Gunner, or person performing the duty of
Gunner, is not to leave the ship, unless specially authorized by the
Secretary of the Navy, until all the guns, powder, small arms,
ammunition, and other articles under his charge, shall have been
examined and surveyed, and turned over to his successor, or other
person appointed to receive them, or to the Inspector of Ordnance, the
receipt for which he shall show to the officer to whom he applies for
leave.

CARPENTER.

57. The CARPENTER shall ascertain and report to the Executive Officer
that there are a sufficient number of tarpaulins to cover all the
hatches leading to the fore and after orlops; that the pump-gear of
every description is ready and in order for rigging the pumps, and
that every preparation can be promptly made before going into action
to free the ship, in case of receiving injuries below the wat