n with reference to eyesight.

Spongers and Loaders rank next in importance, and, with activity and
coolness, should possess the necessary physical strength and stature.
For Handspikemen, weight is important, in addition to strength and
coolness.

85. Very careful men should be selected for attending the
Powder-scuttles on the different decks, as well to prevent noise and
contention among the Powder-boys as to guard against accidents, and
speedily to repair such as may occur. The boys should be trained to
fall into line, to insure an equal distribution of powder.

86. Unless some special reason should require a different arrangement
with regard to Boarders, Pikemen, Firemen, Sail-trimmers, and Pumpmen,
the following will be observed:

BOARDERS.

87. Half the men composing a gun's crew, excluding the Powderman or
Boy, are to be Boarders. When this rule gives an odd number of men,
the odd one is to be a Second Boarder.

88. The Boarders are to constitute two divisions, called First and
Second Boarders.

89. First Boarders are, generally, to be taken from the second part of
a gun's crew; and Second Boarders from the first part.

90. All Petty Officers on the spar-deck, except the Quartermaster at
the conn and the Quartermaster at the wheel, are to be First
Boarders.--(For ARMS OF BOARDERS, _see_ Table, Article 101.)

The Executive Officer leads the Boarders. All the Division Officers on
the spar-deck shall be First Boarders, except the officer commanding
the quarter-deck division, who shall lead the Pikemen. On gun-decks
the officer commanding the second division shall be a First Boarder;
the commanding officers of the other divisions shall be Second
Boarders. If there are two officers in any division, the second shall
lead those Boarders who do not go with his principal. A Lieutenant or
other responsible officer should be detailed to command the gun-deck
in the absence of the boarders and pikemen.

PIKEMEN.

91. One-fourth of the number of men composing a gun's crew, rejecting
fractions, and excepting the Powderman or Boy, and all the men of the
Master's division on the spar-deck, except those designated as
Boarders and those at the wheel and conn, are to be Pikemen, and
compose but one division.

92. For each Pikeman at a gun there is to be a musket or carbine
provided, which in action, when not in use, is to be kept with the
bayonet unfixed, hooked securely against a carline or beam near the
gun; or