HANDBOOK
FOR
LIGHT ARTILLERY.

BY

A. B. DYER,

First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, U. S. A.

FIRST EDITION.

FIRST THOUSAND.

NEW YORK:

JOHN WILEY & SONS.

London: CHAPMAN & HALL, Limited.

1896.

Copyright, 1896,
BY
A. B. DYER.

ROBERT DRUMMOND, ELECTROTYPER AND PRINTER, NEW YORK.

PREFACE.

In preparing this work it has been my endeavor to place in compact form all the data I could obtain that might prove of service to those persons interested in the subject of light artillery, both in the Regular Army and in the National Guard.

I have held strictly to the lines laid down in Army Regulations, Drill Regulations, Official Reports, etc., as regards the matter extracted from such sources; and such as has not been so obtained has been carefully selected from the best authorities I have been able to consult.

I make no claim to originality in this work. It is drawn on the lines of similar handbooks in foreign services; and a great deal of the matter has been copied verbatim from the works consulted. To the writers and compilers of those works I hereby express my thanks.

While I do not consider that machine-guns are proper weapons for the light artillerist, I feel that occasions may arise when knowledge regarding them may prove of service; hence the chapter pertaining to them.

I express, with pleasure, my thanks to Lieut.-Colonel E. B. Williston, 3d U. S. Artillery, for his assistance.

I am particularly obliged to Captain L. L. Bruff, Ordnance Department, for having permitted me to copy from the manuscript of his work on Ordnance and Gunnery (now being published), and also for the use of many of his cuts. His friendly consideration in so doing is fully appreciated.

I also express my appreciation of the assistance given me by Colonel A. R. Buffington, Ordnance Department; Captain V. McNally, Ordnance Department; Captain J. L. Lusk, Corps of Engineers; Captain James Parker, 4th Cavalry; Captain L. A. Craig, 6th Cavalry; Captain S. W. Taylor, 4th Artillery; Lieut. E. B. Babbitt, Ordnance Department; Lieut. M. M. Patrick, Corps of Engineers; Lieut. E. Russel, 5th Artillery; Mr. J. E. Trautwine, Jr.; Mr. Charles W. Parker; and Mr. L. V. Benet of the Hotchkiss Ordnance Company.

The following is a partial list of the works consulted:

U. S. Army Regulations; U. S. Drill Regulations for Light Artillery; U. S. Drill Regulations for Cavalry; U. S. Drill Regulations for Hospital Corps; Soldier's Handbook, U. S. A.; Reports of the Chief of Ordnance, U. S. A.; Ordnance Notes; Manual of Heavy Artillery Service, United States Army, Tidball; Manual of Guard Duty; Ordnance and Gunnery, Metcalfe; Gunnery for Non-commissioned Officers, Cronkhite; Description and Service of Machine-guns, Mills; Lectures on Explosives, Walke; Modern Explosives, Eissler; Interior and Exterior Ballistics, Ingalls; Preliminary Tactics, Baker; Handbook for Field-artillery, R. A. Service Institution; The Soldier's Pocket-book, Wolseley; Manual of Military Engineering; Aide-mémoire de Campagne; Aide-mémoire, R. E.; Artillerist's Manual and Soldier's Compendium; the handbooks of Trautwine, Haswell, and Kidder; The Future Training and Employment of Mounted Infantry, Parr; The Soldiers' First Aid Handbook, Dietz; Nystrom's Mechanics; Horses and Stables, Fitzwygram; The Veterinarian's Vade Mecum, Gamgee; The Book of the Horse, Sydney; The Mule, Reilly; Special Report on the Diseases of the Horse, U. S. Department of Agriculture; the pamphlets of Hotchkiss, Gatling, Maxim, Driggs-Schroeder, etc. etc.

A. B. Dyer,

1st Lieut., 4th Artillery.

West Point, N. Y., March 1, 1896.

CONTENTS.

PART I.

MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY.

• [Chapter I.]
• Description of 1.65 inch and 3.0 inch Guns—Carriages—Ammunition —Packing-outfit—Range Tables—Organization of Mountain-batteries
• [Chapter II.]
• The Pack-train—How Packed
• [Chapter III.]
• The Mule—Description—Diseases—Treatment
• [Chapter IV.]
• General Instructions for Mountain Artillery—Supply of Ammunition—Care and Preservation of Harness—Instructions for Drivers—Marches—Camps—Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Mountain-artillery

PART II.

FIELD-ARTILLERY.

• [Chapter I.]
• Detailed Construction of Field-guns
• [Chapter II.]
• 3.2 inch Guns—Sights—Ammunition—Fuzes—Range Table
• [Chapter III.]
• 3.6 inch Gun—Sights—Ammunition—Fuzes—Carriages—Range Table
• 3.6 inch Mortar—Sights—Ammunition—Fuzes—Range Table—Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Field-artillery
• [Chapter IV.]
• Wheel—Carriage—Limber—Caisson—Battery-wagon and Forge—Artillery-wagon—Harness—Water-cart—Revolver —Hunting-knife
• [Chapter V.]
• Care and Fitting of Harness—Care of Carriages—Care of Guns—Care of Ammunition—Guard Orders
• [Chapter VI.]
• The Horse—How Obtained—Description of—Inspection of—Power of Teams—Weight behind Artillery Teams—Gaits of Artillery—Dentition—Plate of Diseases—Health and Disease—Veterinary Medicines—Drugs and Doses, and How to Administer Them—Mashes—Poultices, etc.—Veterinary Notes, with Symptoms and Treatment of Various Diseases—Stables and Stable Management—Grooming—Feeding—Kinds of Food—Watering—Training Horses—Rules for Treatment and Care of Horses—Destruction of Horses
• [Chapter VII.]
• Organization of Artillery—Composition of Light Batteries—Equipment—Equipment and Clothing for Marches—Marches—Selection of Camps—Making Camp—Breaking Camp—Allowance of Wagons
• [Chapter VIII.]
• Transportation by Rail; by Sea—Embarkation—Care of Animals—Diseases of Animals at Sea—Disembarkation
• [Chapter IX.]
• Machine-guns—The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon—The Gatling Gun—The Gardner Gun—The Maxim Gun—The Metallic Carriage for Machine-guns
• [Chapter X.]
• Theoretical Gunnery—Definitions—General Principles—Probability of Fire—Burst of Shell—Burst of Shrapnel
• [Chapter XI.]
• The Causes of Bad Shooting—Estimating Distances—Range-finding—Rule for Sighting—General Duties of Artillery Commanders—Target Practice, How Conducted—Projectiles Used—Kinds of Targets—Night-firing
• [Chapter XII.]
• Cordage, How Preserved—Strength—Blocks and Tackle—Knots, Hitches, etc.—Lashings
• Bridges—Trestles, Piers, etc.—Single-sling and Double-sling Bridges—Stringer Bridges—Fords—Flying and Floating Bridges—Rafts and Casks
• [Chapter XIII.]
• Hasty Demolition—Gunpowder—Dynamite—How Used in Blasting—Guncotton—Rack-a-Rock—Handling, Transportation, and Storage of High Explosives—Charges for Hasty Demolition—Where and How to Place Charges
• [Chapter XIV.]
• Battery Books and Records—Rolls, Reports, and Returns—The Ration—Salt and Vinegar for Public Animals—The Travel-ration—Present Organization of U. S. Light Field-battery—Cost of a Battery of Four 3.2" Guns, in Detail—Price-list of Artillery-harness—Price-list of Harness for 1.65" Mountain-gun—Price-list of Artillery Accoutrements, etc.—Price-list of Horse Equipments—Price-list of Stencil and Marking Outfits—Supply Table of Ordnance Stores for a Battery of Light Artillery for Six Months—Allowance of Ammunition for Target Practice—Standard Supply Table of Veterinary Medicines—Tableware and Kitchen Utensils—Allowance of Clothing, Equipage, Fuel, Lights, etc.—Weights of Certain Articles of Clothing and Equipage—Pay Table of Enlisted Men—Summary Court, and List of Punishments—U. S. Signal and Telegraph Code—Penetration of Projectiles—Cover for Field-artillery—Treatment of Sick Men—Tables of Weights, Measures, etc.—Tables for Converting Customary and Metric Weights and Measures—Salutes—Camp Furniture and Mess Outfits for Officers

A HANDBOOK FOR LIGHT ARTILLERY.

PART I.

MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY.

CHAPTER I.

Guns. Carriages. Ammunition. Packing Outfit. Range Tables. Organization of Mountain-batteries.

THE 1.65-INCH HOTCHKISS MOUNTAIN-GUN.

Fig. 1.

DESCRIPTION.

The gun (Fig. 2) consists of the body and the breech mechanism.

Fig. 2.

The body of the gun is made from a single forging of oil-tempered and annealed steel. The trunnion-ring is screwed on the gun-body just forward of the reinforce, and provides a support for the front sight. The bore is rifled with a uniform right-hand twist. The lands are very narrow in proportion to the grooves, and are ten in number.

The Breech-block is a solid prismatic block of steel with rounded corners, having a horizontal movement in a mortise cut completely through the breech of the gun. The front face of the block is perpendicular to the axis of the bore, whilst the rear face is slightly inclined. The left end of the block is bored to form a prolongation of the chamber when the breech is open, and its front upper corner is cut away to allow free movement of the extractor.

The horizontal movement of the breech-block is limited by the stop-bolt, which, passing through the breech of the gun, engages in a guide in the upper part of the block.

In the right end of the breech-block is mounted a shaft on which is secured the locking-screw, and which terminates in a handle for manœuvring. The thread of the locking-screw is cut away for about 100°, in such a manner that the breech-block may be locked or unlocked by a half-turn of the handle.

The Extractor is a single piece of steel working in a longitudinal groove in the top of the breech-mortise. Its forward end is formed into a claw to grasp the head of the cartridge. On the same side as the claw is a stud which, following a groove in the top of the breech-block, imparts motion to the extractor.

The Vent is a cylindrical channel passing diagonally through the breech and breech-block, and changing direction in the block so as to follow the axis of the bore.

The friction-primer cannot be inserted until the two parts of the vent are in prolongation from the complete closing and locking of the breech-block. The ordinary friction-primer is used.

NOMENCLATURE.

The Mechanism.—(b) breech-block; loading-hole; (s) stop-bolt; spring washer; (r) stop-bolt guide; (e) extractor; (h) extractor-hook; (a k) extractor-guide; (c) locking-screw; locking-screw shaft; locking-screw pin; (l) handle; stop; stop keep-screw.

Fig. 3.

ACTION OF THE MECHANISM.

The gun having been fired, the handle is turned to the rear, unlocking the block and starting it in the mortise. Drawing the handle smartly to the right, the breech is opened, the extractor, actuated by the movement of the block, commences to move very slowly back with a powerful leverage, starting the cartridge-case from its seat. When the breech-block has moved sufficiently to unmask the bore, the change of direction in the extractor-guide causes the extractor to make a quick movement to the rear, throwing the cartridge clear of the gun.

A new charge being inserted, it is pushed home until the head of the cartridge brings up against the extractor. The breech is now closed by pushing it smartly to the left, and is locked by turning the handle to the front. A primer may now be inserted in the vent, and the gun is ready for firing.

DIRECTIONS FOR DISMOUNTING THE MECHANISM.

Unscrew the stop-bolt about four turns, or remove completely.

Withdraw breech-block.

Remove extractor, which is now free.

In general nothing further need be dismounted for cleaning and inspection.

To dismount completely continue as follows:

Remove locking-screw pin with screw-driver.

Remove stop keep-screw.

Drive out stop with the drift, interposing a bit of wood or leather to avoid bruising the stop.

Withdraw handle and locking-screw shaft.

Remove locking-screw.

To mount, proceed in reverse order.

CARE AND PRESERVATION.

The gun requires no special care beyond that of being kept clean, free from rust and undefaced.

Brick-dust or gritty substances must never be used on any part of the gun.

The parts of the mechanism must never be scraped with knives or metal, or be defaced or roughened in any way.

All parts of the gun must be kept lightly oiled as a protection from rust.

After firing, the gun should invariably be thoroughly cleaned. To do this, dismount the mechanism completely and wash every part thoroughly with warm fresh-water soapsuds; mechanism, breech-block, mortise, and barrel should all be treated alike.

After thoroughly scrubbing all parts, dry them carefully and let all stand for a short time to air and dry off the moisture.

After drying, rub all parts over with a well-oiled rag.

Mount the mechanism.

On the march the breech and muzzle should always be protected by the covers supplied for the purpose.

When parked, guns and carriages should be covered with paulins.

SIGHTS.

The Front Sight is a plain roughened steel point-sight, and is permanently fixed to the right rim-base.

Fig. 4.

The Bar Tangent Sight ([Fig. 4]) is a plain vertical bar-sight carrying a sliding leaf conveniently graduated. Both the bar and the leaf have clamp-screws to fix them in position. The tangent sight is only mounted on the gun when in action, being at other times removed to avoid injuring it.

The bar is graduated to 15°, each being subdivided into six parts. It may be graduated in yards or metres. It is compensated for natural drift. A vernier-mark on the head of the sight and graduations on the sliding leaf correct ordinary deviations.

The Gunner's Quadrant, for mountain-guns, is a small pocket-quadrant with a spirit-level limb pivoted. On the arc are inscribed both the degrees of elevation and ranges corresponding to the gun for which it is used. It is thoroughly reliable both for direct and curved fire, and to a very great extent supplants the sight-bar.

The recoil is checked by rope-brakes, hooked to the trail-handles and passed around the felloes of the wheels. No limber is used, but a pole which is readily attached to the trail is provided for hauling the carriage.

AMMUNITION.

The ammunition is fixed, and consists of common shell and canister.

The drawn metallic cartridge-case ([Fig. 5]) is of brass, and is drawn from the solid metal to shape. It is reinforced at the base by inside (c) and outside (b) cups of the same metal. The head (d) is fastened to the base by brass rivets which clamp the body, cups, and head solidly together. A vent (v) is pierced through the head of the cartridge, and five eccentric flash-holes (a) through the reinforcing-cups. The jet of flame from the primer, entering the vent, lifts the reinforcing-cups and forces its way through the flash-holes to the charge. The charge being ignited, the pressure of the gas immediately forces back the reinforcing-cups and seals the vent. The charge, consisting of 5½ oz. of black powder, is well shaken down and separated from the base of the projectile by a felt wad. When smokeless powder is employed, an igniter containing about 40 grains (3 grammes) of musket-powder is placed in the bottom of the cartridge-case. The vent is sealed with a thin coating of wax.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 7.

The Common Shell ([Fig. 6]) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern with a brass band, and is fitted with a base percussion-fuze. It contains a bursting-charge of about 1¾ oz. (950 grammes) of musket-powder.

The Canister ([Fig. 7]) consists of a thin envelope of drawn brass, containing thirty hardened 1-oz. lead balls packed in sulphur. On the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into the cartridge-case. The cartridge-case can be recharged on an average about eight times.

The Carriage.

Fig. 8.

Nomenclature (see [Fig. 8]).—(a) trail; (b) axle; (c) wheel; (d) cap-squares; (e) breast-transom; (f) elevating-screw; (g) lunette; (h) hook.

DESCRIPTION.

The carriage-body consists of two steel brackets forming cheeks and trail. They are reinforced by angle-steel and connected by transoms. The axle is secured in beds riveted to the brackets, and is arranged to be readily dismounted when required. The elevating-gear consists of a simple screw working in a stout steel transom, and supports the breech of the gun; the preponderance is sufficient to insure stability. The sponge and rod are secured to the right side of the trail by suitable attachments. A pole is provided for draught when easy country is encountered, and provision is made for attaching it to the lunette.

The following articles are carried in the gunner's haversack: 1 tangent-sight; 1 lanyard; 1 spare-extractor; 1 spare stop-bolt; 1 dismounting-pin; 1 oil-can; 2 cleaning-brushes; 1 screw-driver; 1 pair cutting-pliers; 1 vent-cleaner; friction-primers.

Leather covers are provided for the breech and muzzle of the gun.

Two bricoles are provided for use in moving by hand. The band of the bricole is of stout canvas, having a short length of rope at its lower end, provided with a stout hook for hooking into the swivels on the ends of the axles.

Hotchkiss Point Percussion-fuze.

The Hotchkiss Point Fuze ([Fig. 9]) consists of four main parts: the body A, the plunger B, the head C, and the safety-plug D.

The Body is cylindrical and of brass, with a screw-thread and stout shoulder at the upper end for securing in the shell. The outside of the shoulder is shaped to the ogive. A chamber is fashioned in the body, whose base has a conical hole bored for the safety-plug.

The Plunger is a hollow brass cylinder with a lead lining to give it weight, and containing a chamber in which is a small charge of powder with a fulminate cap over it, the whole being covered with foil as a preservative against moisture. A small brass wire is inserted in the lower part of the plunger, bent up so that the ends project through the safety-plug hole.

The Safety-plug is a lead stopper forced tightly into the hole in the bottom, and by pinching the ends of the brass wire holds the plunger steady.

The Head is of gun-metal, the outside following the ogival contour and being provided with a screw-thread for securing it in the body. In the centre of the lower surface is fixed a small point forming a striker for the fulminate.

RANGE TABLE FOR 1.65-INCH HOTCHKISS MOUNTAIN-GUN.

• Kind of powder, Dupont H. N
• Weight of charge, 5½ oz
• Weight of shell, 1 lb. 15 oz
• Initial velocity, 1,298 ft.-sec
• Angle of jump, + 22 minutes
• Length of line of sight, 17.93 inches

If the axle of the carriage be not horizontal, multiply the difference of level of the wheels in inches (or the inclination of the trunnions in degrees) by the elevation in degrees for the given range; the result will be the deflection in minutes to be applied on the side of the higher wheel.

Fig. 9.

When the shell is fired, the plunger is forced to the rear, driving the safety-plug into the shell. The small wires being free to let the plunger drive forward, hold it steadily with the rotation of the shell, and keep it from dropping forward on the descending arc of a high trajectory. On impact the plunger drives forward, and the little magazine is exploded by contact with the point.

A Frankford Arsenal point percussion-fuze, small (model 1894), weight 2¼ oz., is now made for 1.65-inch ammunition. It is similar to the fuze for the 3.2-inch field-gun.

DISMOUNTING.

To dismount the mechanism: See [page 4].

To dismount the gun: Throw back the cap-squares and lift straight up at breech and muzzle.

To dismount the wheels: Take out the linch-pins, lift the carriage at the axles and slip the wheels off.

To dismount the axle: Slack back the clamp-screws about one turn; back the small keep-screws about four turns. Dismount the wheels; pull out the axle.

To mount the parts, proceed in inverse order.

LOADING-TOOLS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Nomenclature.—Loading-press; loading-sleeve; common shell-plunger; canister-plunger; ejector; charge-measure; burster-measure; cartridge-funnel; shell-funnel; cleaning-brush; fuze-wrench.

The loading-tools are supplied in sets, enclosed in an oak chest. They are not to be carried into the field, but should be set up in an appropriate laboratory room.

For methods to be followed see instructions given for preparing ammunition for 3-inch gun, page 31, et seq.

The Packing Outfit for 1.65-inch Gun.

This consists of:

One pack-saddle, for carrying the gun and wheels of the carriage.

One pack-saddle, for carrying the gun-carriage, the pole, the splinter-bar, the harness-sack (containing the harness and the pole-yoke), and the ammunition-pack.

One pack-saddle, for carrying the four ammunition-boxes.

One set of double harness.

One pole and neck-yoke (the pole is hinged so that it can be folded for packing).

One splinter-bar.

Four ammunition-boxes holding 18 rounds each.

One ammunition-pack holding 6 rounds, for use in an emergency.

Blinds, for use when packing.

The Pack-saddles are identical, with the exception of the yokes for carrying the different parts and a few minor changes in the pads.

The Harness is for two mules and consists of bridles, breast-collars, martingales, breeching, traces and pole-straps, and harness-sack (duck). The pole, neck-yoke, and splinter-bar are made of hickory.

Ammunition-boxes are made of pine and are 24" × 8" × 8". They have sliding covers, which are connected to the box by a lifting hinge. Each box holds 18 rounds of ammunition, and friction-primers. Weight of box empty 11 lbs. 8 oz.; weight of box filled 59 lbs., about.

PARTS OF OUTFIT PER GUN.

METHOD OF PACKING.

1. On long marches with a wagon train the whole packing outfit will be carried in the wagon train when practicable.

2. On packing the outfit to make expeditions, if it is known that there will be no occasion for hauling the gun and carriage, the hauling appliances, viz., harness, pole, yoke, and splinter-bar, can be left behind in the wagon train, at a camp or post, as the case may be; but as the hauling appliances add little to the pack, and unexpected occasions for their use are probable, they should be carried as a rule.

3. The gun and carriage are to be hauled whenever practicable country for hauling occurs, on a long march, to ease the animals, and especially if their backs get sore, and also in action if the ground will admit of it.

4. If the draught animals are led, the pack-saddles can be left on the animals loosely cinched.

5. If a driver rides one draught animal, its pack-saddle can be placed on the other animal, or both saddles can be placed on gun and carriage.

6. Pressure should fall on back, not on spine and not on sides.

Mules differ in shape; the same mule is not always symmetrical, and the condition varies; therefore, when saddles fit do not change them without good reason.

Fold saddle-blanket in four folds and place it carefully on the animal; then place the saddle on the blanket and in the middle of the animal's back, so as to interfere as little as possible with his free action, and cinch tightly with saddle-cincha. They should be drawn tighter than with riding-saddles, but only tight enough to keep the saddle securely in its place. With a young mule tighten gradually and gently.

Ammunition-mules scarcely need such tight girthing as saddle-mules.

The dock of the crupper must be kept soft, smooth, and pliable.

7. See that everything fits properly before loading. Place the hand under the blanket to make sure that pressure does not fall on the withers. On the least sign of a rub on the ribs take measures to relieve the pressure from that point, changing the load if possible. In cases of this sort, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A slightly galled mule can generally carry its saddle, and sometimes be worked, if proper measures are taken. After cleansing and drying the wound dust it with sulphur 3 parts, iodoform 1 part, and then put a piece of old-fashioned court-plaster over it if the animal is to be worked.

Instructions for Packing.

Saddles.—Fold saddle-blanket in four folds and place it on the animal; place saddle on blanket and cinch tightly with saddle-cincha.

No. 3 saddles the carriage-mule and acts as driver.

No. 4 saddles the gun-mule and acts as driver.

No. 5 saddles the first ammunition-mule and acts as driver.

No. 6 saddles the second ammunition-mule and acts as driver.

FIRST ANIMAL.

(See [Fig. 10].)

Gun and Wheels.—The gunner removes the tangent-sight, placing it in the haversack, and puts on the breech-cover.

No. 1 throws back the right cap-square and puts on the muzzle-cover and grasps gun by manœuvring-handle.

No. 2 throws back the left cap-square and grasps end of breech-block.

Fig. 10.

No. 4 leads the gun-mule to the gun and places him three yards to the rear of the trail, facing to the rear.

The gunner, grasping the muzzle, commands "Lift," and all lift the gun from the carriage and place it in its bearings, breech in front, sight down.

The gunner, assisted by Nos. 1 and 2, puts cargo-cincha over gun, trunnions passing through slots, edge of cincha nearest to slots in front; cinches to belly-cincha; and then puts gun-pad on breech of gun.

Nos. 1 and 2 on their respective sides then lift the axle while the gunner removes the wheels and replaces linch-pins and washers; Nos. 1 and 2 fasten them together with wheel-strap, dish of wheels inside, and place them astride of gun, hubs between wheel-pads on cargo-cincha, lower them to their proper position, and suspend them with the hub-strap which passes around the hubs and over top of gun. On most animals the best position for wheels is to have the distance from bottom of hub, measured over top of saddle, 36 inches.

Nos. 1 and 2 then buckle around the rim of wheel, on their respective sides, the two wheel-straps, which are attached to the belly-cincha chape, two spokes apart on each side, and tighten these straps until the wheels are in the best position and bear firmly on the cargo-cincha wheel-pads, and on the gun-pad. The wheel-pack is then secure and can be easily adjusted from time to time to aid the animal on the march. If further security is required, lash the wheels with the lashing-rope; fasten one end of rope to one hub, pass it around wheels, under corners of saddle-pads and over and under the animal, and draw tight. (The most expert packer of the detachment should be required to perform the duties pertaining to that work when necessary, as it is very important that the work should be done properly.)

SECOND ANIMAL.

(See [Fig. 11].)

Carriage and Harness.—No. 3 leads the carriage-mule up and places him three yards in front of muzzle, facing to the front.

No. 1 places harness (in its sack) on left side with pole-yoke under flap of harness-sack, and secures them in position with the two straps which are attached to the saddle.

No. 2 places pole (butt end in front) and splinter-bar on right side and secures them in position with the two straps which are attached to the saddle, passing the straps twice around the pole and bar. The front strap passes once in front and once in rear of the pintle-pin.

The gunner at the trail and Nos. 1 and 2 at the axle lift the carriage and place it in position on top of saddle, bottom down, trail to the rear, so that special shapes of saddle arch-irons will engage in the carriage. The front arch-iron enters the slot just in rear of carriage-axle.

Fig. 11.

The gunner passes the cargo-cincha over the carriage, the wooden block down, and in between side flanges of trail, elevating-screw passing through hole in cincha and wooden block; then receives from No. 1 the ammunition-pack and places it in position; cinches securely, fastens the primer-pouch and haversack containing accessories around gun-carriage cheek, and this pack is complete.

Note.—The harness, pole-yoke, and splinter-bar are not necessary to this pack, and the carriage packs equally well without them. If on the saddle, they are to be left on it in coming into action; that is, the carriage can be unpacked and repacked without disturbing them.

THIRD OR FOURTH ANIMAL.

(See [Fig. 12.])

Ammunition.—Each animal carries four ammunition boxes, each containing 18 rounds of ammunition: total rounds 72. Nine cartridges and ten primers are packed in each end of each box. The gunner and Nos. 1, 2, and 3 put the ammunition-boxes in position, the two top ones first, simultaneously, and then the two bottom ones in the same way. No. 3 then returns to his mule, which he had turned over to No. 4; and Nos. 1 and 2 secure the boxes in position by the straps fastened to the clips, and the gunner cinches them securely with the cargo-cincha. He then passes a lashing-rope around the iron handles on the ends of the boxes and over the pack, and the whole is securely fastened in place.

Fig. 12.

TO HARNESS FOR DRAUGHT.

Nos. 3 and 4 place harness on their mules, and lead them into position for hitching, and when the pole has been adjusted complete hitching in front of mules.

Nos. 1 and 2 lift trail and the gunner attaches the pole.

Nos. 1 and 2 hitch traces.

WEIGHTS TO BE CARRIED BY EACH MULE.

Artificer's Tools and Supplies.

In the composition of a complete mountain-battery must be included the necessary tools and supplies for making any repairs that may be required, for shoeing the pack-animals, etc. These constitute the loads for four pack-mules, as follows:

PIONEER PACK.

• 2 felling-axes, handled
• 1 crowbar, steel
• 2 sledge-hammers (8 pounds), handled
• 4 bill-hooks
• 4 pickaxes, handled
• 4 shovels
• 4 reaping-hooks
• 4 hatchets
• 50 feet of 1-inch hemp rope

FORGE PACK.

• 1 mountain-forge, complete
• 1 set of smith's tools

ARTIFICER'S PACK.

• 1 set of wheelwright's tools
• 1 set of saddler's tools

SUPPLY PACK.

• 1 set of wheelwright's stores
• 1 set of saddler's stores
• 1 set of farrier's stores

Suggested Organization and Equipment.

The detailed exercise and tactics for mountain-batteries differ slightly in different military services, but the following general directions conform to the normal condition and will serve for the organization of temporary mountain-batteries.

For packing, each piece complete requires four mules.

For the service of each gun seven men are required, of which three fight the gun in action and four serve as mule-drivers and reserves.

A full battery consists of six pieces in time of war and four in time of peace, and should comprise, in addition to the equipments of a single piece, one field-forge, with transport-mule and driver; two transport-boxes, containing farrier's, carpenter's, and saddler's tools, with transport-mule and driver (one spare wheel packed on this mule); one spare carriage complete, with transport-mule and driver; ammunition-boxes, containing small-arm ammunition, with transport-mule and driver; twelve ammunition-boxes containing reserve-gun ammunition, with three transport-mules and drivers.

The battery should be organized into platoons under lieutenants, each platoon consisting of a section under a sergeant.

Each section (the personnel and material of one gun) should consist of the chief of section, gun detachment (one corporal and six privates), and extra drivers and spare men. If there be but one ammunition-mule to a section, the number of men would be reduced to six.

The first sergeant should command the ordnance-mules not with the first line, viz.: ammunition, spare carriage, blacksmith's and wheelwright's tools, relief. He is assisted by the stable-sergeant.

The second lieutenant commands the pack-train, and is assisted by the quartermaster-sergeant.

The commissioned officers, first sergeant, quartermaster-sergeant, stable-sergeant, and trumpeters should be mounted on horses; the blacksmith, wheelwright, and cooks, on mules. Officers, sergeants, and trumpeters should be armed with pistols; all enlisted men other than sergeants and trumpeters, with carbines.

In line there should be an interval of twelve yards between sections. The positions of the captain and lieutenant, and first sergeant and chiefs of section, are the same as in a field-battery, both in line and column. The mules of a section are in the following order: carriage-mule, gun-mule, and ammunition-mules with the distance of a yard between them, and in column with a distance of two yards between sections. The gunner is near the right flank of leading mule; Nos. 1 and 2 are similarly placed with respect to the second and third mules. The drivers are on the left and opposite the heads of their mules.

TABLE OF ANIMALS REQUIRED FOR FOUR-GUN BATTERY.

Service of the 1.65-inch Hotchkiss Gun.

Men Required.—A gunner and five privates. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 serve as cannoneers; Nos. 4 and 5 attend animals.

Equipments.—Gunner and No. 1, primer-pouches; Nos. 2 and 3, cartridge-pouches.

Duties.—The gunner commands, attaches and detaches the pole, sets the sight, points, and superintends the service of the ammunition.

No. 1 mans right wheel, controls brake-rope, opens and closes breech, and fires piece.

No. 2 mans the left wheel, controls brake-rope, introduces the ammunition into the bore, and assists in pointing.

No. 3 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition and assists the gunner in attaching and detaching the pole.

Nos. 4 and 5 attend animals.

HOTCHKISS 3-INCH MOUNTAIN-GUN.

Fig. 13.

DESCRIPTION.

The breech-mechanism of this gun differs from the 1.65-inch in that its stop-bolt engages in a guide in the lower part of the block.

The front sight is of the open type, allowing of a large field of view. The tangent-sight is provided with a sliding head by means of which it may be set before placing it on the gun, and a deflection-slide for correcting for drift, wind, etc. On the deflection-slide is an open notch for rough, and a peep-sight for fine, sighting. The sight-bar is graduated on one side in ranges, on the other in millimetres. The sights are on the left side.

The Carriage.

Fig. 14.

Nomenclature.—(1) trail; (2) axle; (3) wheel; (4) cap-squares; (5) hooks; (6) elevating-screw; (7) elevating-lever; (8) elevating-transom; (9) lunette; (10) lunette-plate; (11) trail-handles; (12) brakes; (13) sponge and rod.

DESCRIPTION.

The carriage-body consists of two steel brackets forming stock and trail. They are reinforced by angle-steel and connected by transoms. The axle is stiffened by a reinforcing-plate to which is riveted the carriage-body. The elevating-gear consists of a forked lever, pivoted at its nearmost end, and traversed near the middle by the elevating-screw. The latter is supported by an inclined plane on the elevating-transom. The breech of the gun rests freely on the end of the elevating-lever, the preponderance being sufficient to insure stability. Recoil is checked by two rope-brakes, which are hooked to the trail-handles and passed around the felloes of the wheels. For the march one end of each brake is hooked to a trail-handle, the rope passed diagonally over the trail end and the free end secured to one of the hooks under the axle. The sponge and rod are secured by suitable attachments on the right side of the trail.

The Prairie Limber.

Fig. 15.

Nomenclature.—(1) axle; (2) axle-beds; (3) frame; (4) body; (5) pintle; (6) pintle-key; (7) shafts; (8) prop; (9) prolonge-hooks; (10) ammunition-chests.

DESCRIPTION.

This limber is designed to relieve the pack-animals where possible. It carries four of the mountain ammunition-chests, which may at once be removed and carried on the pack when necessary, the limber-body being temporarily abandoned. Two of the pack-animals will be found sufficient for draught, leaving three as a relief or for the transport of forage.

The Limber consists of a frame of angle-steel, which is provided with beds to receive the axle. The body is formed of steel plate, with compartments for the reception of four ammunition-chests. The outer chests are raised slightly above those in the middle, and may be opened without removing them from the limber. On the limber are carried a paulin, a combined prolonge and picket-rope, a felling-axe, a shovel and a pickaxe.

The Ammunition-chests are made of wood, covered with waterproof canvas, and are strongly ironed. They provide for carrying eight rounds of ammunition, and have a compartment wherein may be placed a package of friction-primers and the fuze-case. The latter is a metallic box having compartments for five combination fuzes in their sealed packages.

The Ammunition.

Fig. 16.

The Ammunition consists of a cartridge-case containing the powder-charge, and the projectile. The drawn metal cartridge-case ([Fig. 16]) is of brass, and is drawn from the solid metal to shape. It is reinforced at the base by inside and outside cups of the same metal. The head is fastened to the base by brass rivets, which clamp the case, cups, and head solidly together. A vent is pierced through the head of the cartridge, and five eccentric-fire holes through the reinforcing-cups. Between the reinforcing-cups is held an iron obturator. The jet of flame from the primer, entering the vent, lifts the obturator and forces its way through the fire-holes to the charge. The charge being ignited, the pressure of the gas immediately forces back the obturator and seals the vent.

The Charge consists of 14 oz. I. K. granular powder. In order to vary the charge the ammunition is made in two parts, viz., projectile and cartridge-case. The cartridge is put into the metallic case in two half-charges, in bags, so that one may be removed if desired.

The vent of the cartridge is sealed with a thin coating of wax.

The Common Shell ([Fig. 17]) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern, with a copper band, and is fitted with a point percussion-fuze. It contains a bursting-charge of about 6.3 ounces (180 grammes) of fine-grain powder.

Fig. 17.

Fig. 18.

Fig. 19.

The Shrapnel ([Fig. 18]) is made of cast iron. It consists of a body to which the head is attached by three copper rivets. The bursting-charge of about 1¾ ounces of fine-grain powder is contained in a chamber in the base, which is brought into communication with the fuze by a central igniting-tube. The shrapnel is loaded with 160 hardened balls packed in sulphur. These projectiles are transported plugged, the combined time and percussion fuze being inserted at the moment of action.

The Canister ([Fig. 19]) consists of a thin brass envelope, which is lined with six wrought-iron segments. The head is of wood, and is fitted with a false point to bring it to the same length as the common shell. On the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into the cartridge-case. The canister contains 125 hardened lead balls.

The common shell are painted black, the shrapnel red, and the canister are unpainted.

Accessories and Spare Parts.

The following accessories and spare parts are supplied with each gun, carriage, and limber:

GUN.

• 1 breech-cover, russet leather
• 1 muzzle-cover, russet leather
• 1 gunner's haversack, containing:
• 1 breech-sight
• 1 gunner's quadrant in case
• 1 lanyard
• 1 Universal fuze-wrench
• 1 cannoneer's haversack, containing:
• 1 spare extractor
• 1 spare stop-bolt
• 1 spare spring-washer
• 1 dismounting-pin
• 1 drift
• 1 oil-can
• 2 cleaning-brushes
• 1 screw-driver
• 1 fuze-wrench
• 1 pair of cutting-pliers
• 1 vent-cleaner

GUN-CARRIAGE.

• 1 pair of shafts
• 1 sponge and rod
• 1 sponge-cover
• 2 brake-ropes

PRAIRIE LIMBER.

• 4 ammunition-chests
• 4 fuze-cases
• 1 pair of shafts
• 1 felling-axe
• 1 pick-axe
• 1 shovel
• 1 waterproof paulin 13′ x 6½′
• 1 picket-rope and prolonge 20′ long

Artificer's Tools and Supplies.

In the composition of a complete mountain-battery must be included the necessary tools and supplies for making any repairs that may be required, for shoeing the pack-animals, etc. These constitute the loads for four mules, as follows:

PIONEER-PACK.

• 2 felling-axes, with handles
• 1 crowbar, steel
• 2 sledge-hammers (8 pounds), handled
• 4 bill-hooks
• 4 pick-axes, handled
• 4 shovels
• 6 reaping-hooks
• 4 hatchets
• 50 feet of 1-inch hemp rope

FORGE-PACK.

• 1 mountain-forge, complete
• 1 set of smith's tools

ARTIFICERS' PACK.

• 1 set of wheelwright's tools
• 1 set of saddler's tools

SUPPLY-PACK.

• 1 set of wheelwright's stores
• 1 set of saddler's stores
• 1 set of farrier's stores

Loading-tools and Instructions.

Tools for loading the ammunition are supplied in sets, enclosed in an oak chest. They are not to be carried into the field. The set consists of:

• Common-shell plunger
• Shrapnel plunger
• Case-shot plunger
• Loading-sleeve
• Ejector
• Loading-press
• Fuze-key
• Cleaning-brush
• Shell-funnel
• Cartridge-funnel
• Cartridge-gauge

TO FILL COMMON SHELL.

Insert the funnel in fuze-hole and pour in bursting-charge, at the same time tapping side of shell with a wooden mallet. Clean the fuze-hole carefully with brush, and make sure that no powder remains in the thread. Screw the fuze tightly home. If the fuze requires more force than can be given with the key to screw it home, lay it aside. Never strike a fuze or attempt to force it.

TO FILL THE CARTRIDGE-CASE.

Weigh the charge (never measure it) and pour it in the case through a funnel. Shake the charge well down by tapping side of case with flat of the hand. Insert the wad.

TO ASSEMBLE CARTRIDGE (1′.65).

The common shell are inserted filled and fuzed, the shrapnel empty. Oil the base of the projectile lightly, and centre in the mouth of the cartridge case, the latter standing on the bench. Slip the sleeve vertically over projectile and cartridge-case. Turn the sleeve to a horizontal position, holding the head of the cartridge with the left hand, and lay the sleeve in the press. Insert the proper plunger, so that it bears on the head of the projectile. Screw the press home until the band of the projectile touches the mouth of the cartridge, or until the shoulder of the plunger bears against the front of the sleeve. Unscrew the press, remove the plunger, push out cartridge with the ejector. Never strike the ejector under any pretence. Pass the cartridge into the gauge and close slide.

TO FILL SHRAPNEL.

The shrapnel is assembled with the cartridge-case before filling. Pour in the bursting-charge very slowly, at the same time tapping the projectile lightly with a mallet. Clean the fuze-hole carefully, and screw the plug firmly home. Shrapnel should not be fuzed except in the field, at the moment of their employment.

The above rules find general application, the methods being modified to suit the case, viz., whether fixed ammunition, or charge and projectile separate.

3-INCH MOUNTAIN-GUN RANGE TABLE.

• Charge, 14.1 oz. C₂
• Projectile, 12 lbs
• Initial velocity, 853 ft.-sec
• Angle of jump, 0° 39′
• Length of line of sight, 17".56

(From Hotchkiss Pamphlet.)

Suggested Organization of a 3-inch Hotchkiss Mountain-battery.

The organization is made on the same principles as those of the 1.65-inch mountain-battery.

The section, consisting of one piece, requires for its service and transport ten men and nine pack-animals. Of the men, gunner and Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as cannoneers; 7, 8, 9, attend animals. The pack-animals are distributed as follows:

1 gun-mule.

1 carriage-mule.

1 wheel, shafts, and accessory mule.

6 ammunition-mules.

The proportion of each kind of ammunition carried will depend upon the nature of the campaign, but in general each ammunition-chest should contain five shrapnel, two common shell, and one canister, making a total allowance per gun:

60 shrapnel with combination fuzes.

24 common shell with percussion-fuzes.

12 canister.

A full battery should consist of six pieces, and should comprise, in addition to the equipment of six sections:

1 pioneer outfit, with mule and driver.

1 mountain-forge, with mule and driver.

2 artificer's chests, containing farrier's, wheelwright's, and saddler's tools, with mule and driver.

2 chests with farrier's, wheelwright's, and saddler's supplies, one spare wheel, with mule and driver.

1 spare carriage complete, with two mules and one driver.

3 ammunition-chests, with small-arms ammunition and small stores, with mule.

Equipments.—Gunner's pouch; No. 1, primer-pouch; Nos. 2, 3 and 4 cartridge-pouches. Duties.—Gunner commands; limbers and unlimbers; sets the sight; points, and superintends service of ammunition.

Duties.—Gunner commands; limbers and unlimbers; sets the sight; points, and superintends service of ammunition.

No. 1 mans the right wheel; controls brake-rope; opens and closes breech; fires piece.

No. 2 mans the left wheel; controls brake-rope; introduces the ammunition into the bore; assists in pointing.

No. 3 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition (first setting time-fuze and removing safety-pin) and assists the gunner in limbering and unlimbering.

No. 4 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition (first setting time-fuze and removing safety-pin).

No. 5 receives ammunition from No. 6; removes plugs from shrapnel; fuzes same; loosens cap of time-fuze, and issues prepared ammunition to Nos. 3 and 4.

No. 6 passes ammunition to No. 5; opens time-fuze cylinders, and brings up ammunition-mules as required.

At the command "Cease firing," Nos. 5 and 6 equalize ammunition in boxes.

Nos. 7, 8, and 9 attend animals.

TO PACK.

The mules are brought up at a trot, and stationed:

Gun-mule three yards in rear of trail and facing to rear.

Carriage-mule three yards in front of muzzle, facing to front.

Wheel-mule three yards to left of gun, facing to front.

To Pack the Gun ([Fig. 20]).—No. 4 takes the lifting-bars from wheel-pack and passes them to the gunner and No. 2; No. 3 procures breech and muzzle covers from gun-pack, hands muzzle-cover to No. 1 and straps on breech-cover; No. 1 throws open cap-squares and adjusts muzzle-cover; the gunner and No. 2 pass ends of lifting-bars to Nos. 3 and 1. All numbers facing to the rear, the gunner commands, "Lift." The gun is placed on the pack and secured by Nos. 1 and 2.

Fig. 20.

Fig. 21.

To Pack the Carriage ([Fig. 21]).—The gunner and No. 3 remove the linchpins; Nos. 1 and 2 lift the axle; the gunner and No. 3 remove the wheels and replace the linchpins; Nos. 1 and 2 grasping the axle-arms, the gunner and No. 3 pass a lifting-bar through the trail-handles. All numbers facing to the front, the gunner commands, "Lift," and the carriage is placed on the pack and secured by Nos. 1 and 2.

Fig. 22.

AMMUNITION MULE.

Fig. 23.

To Pack the Wheels ([Fig. 22]).—The gunner and No. 3 lift the wheels and place them separately on the pack, where they are secured by No. 4; No. 4 places and secures the lifting-bars; Nos. 3 and 5 take off their haversacks and secure them on the wheel-pack.

Unpacking is performed in the reverse order to packing.

WEIGHT CARRIED BY EACH MULE.

CHAPTER II.

The Pack-train. How Packed.

PACK-TRAINS.

Gen. Holabird says: A pack-mule carries on an average 200 pounds. Allow one pack-mule to six or seven men for detachments out scouting from five to eight days; twelve mules to two officers and sixty or seventy men for six days; eight mules to one officer and fifty men of cavalry for six days.

The above allowance does not contemplate the carrying of forage.

Cavalry drill-regulations state: With fifty packs there should be twelve packers. Each troop should have four mess-boxes, seven-eighths inch lumber, dovetailed, 11 inches by 18 inches by 26 inches, and, when packed in pack-cover, without lids.

In camp or garrison, logs of wood, 26 inches long, and sacks of corn, double-sacked and lashed to avoid breaking sacks, having the weight it is intended the mule should carry, are kept on hand for drill purposes.

Each pack should be provided with two coils of three-eighths inch rope, 18 to 28 feet long, for lashing packs.

The pack-saddle consists of the saddle proper; two pads; crupper; corona; manta or pack-cover; two pieces of canvas, each 84 inches by 22 inches, stitched together on the long edges; halter and strap; canvas cincha, 10 inches wide; sling-rope, half-inch best hand-laid manilla whale-line, 20 to 32 feet long; and leather cincha, with lash-rope, five-eighths inch whale-line 42 feet long. There should be one blind for every five packs.

The size of rope is given by the measurement of its diameter.

A "full-rigged" saddle has sling-straps and cargo-cincha; the sling and lash ropes are then dispensed with.

While saddling, loading, or readjusting the packs, the animals should be blinded. The mules should be trained to stand perfectly quiet while the blind is on; they should never be led or forced to move without first removing the blind.

TO FIT THE SADDLE.

The pack-saddle is fitted to the animal in a manner similar to that of the riding-saddle; it is so constructed that it can be placed one and one-half inches farther forward than the riding-saddle.

If the pads are not square, draw the screws, unlace the pads from the skirts, then square and fit them to the animal by placing the canvas cincha immediately around the animal's girth, the front edge touching the breast-bone (cartilages of true ribs), the middle of the cincha being exactly in the middle of the lower edges of the pads; then screw the pads to the saddle-bars, keeping the cincha in place till the adjustment is made; then remove the cincha and replace the pads.

Adjust the canvas cincha so as to be long enough to go nearly around the girth of the mule, over the saddle.

Adjust the crupper by lengthening or shortening the lace-strings that attach it to the saddle, taking care not to make it too tight.

TO SADDLE.

Place the corona on the mule's back, about two to two and one half inches in front of where the pommel end of the saddle is to rest; place the folded saddle-blanket over the corona; take the saddle by both yokes and place it squarely in position, a little in rear of its proper place; place the crupper under the dock and gently move the saddle forward to position; pass the ring end of the canvas cincha over the saddle from left to right and under the belly; pass the latigo through the ring and tighten the cincha; when cinched, the ring end of the cincha should be above the lower edge of the near pad.

CARGOES.

The rations should be carefully put up in one-hundred-pound packs lashed solidly, and carried on the best pack-mules; each pack is plainly marked with its contents and weight.

Salt, sugar, coffee, and beans are double-sacked, and lashed in one-hundred-pound packages. Bacon, in one-hundred-pound packages, is packed in from five to eight pounds of clean straw or hay, double-sacked and lashed firmly.

The yeast-powder cases should be opened and hay or straw stuffed closely around the boxes to prevent shaking, and, with other articles, lashed into one-hundred-pound packages.

Each cargo is in two side-packs of about one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five pounds each, and should match in size, shape, and weight as nearly as practicable, each side-pack having, as nearly as may be, the following proportions: width one half more than thickness, length nearly one half more than the width; e. g., 12 inches by 18 inches by 25 inches.

All the salt, sugar, coffee, and beans should not be placed in one cargo. Ammunition should be in cargoes.

Pads or cushions of hay 26 inches by 44 inches may be placed under the cincha to keep long and rough packs from the animal's hips and shoulders.

TO LOAD CARGO.

The packers should work by threes, designated Nos. 1, 2, and 3. No. 1 is on the near side, No. 2 on the off side of the mule; when No. 3 works with No. 1 he is nearest the croup; when with No. 2 he is opposite the mule's shoulders.

The mule is placed near to and with its left side next to the cargo by No. 2, who then puts on the blind.

No. 1, on the near side, passes the centre of the sling-rope over the saddle to the off side far enough to allow the rope to pass over the off-side pack and come back within his reach, the parts of the rope separated by six to twelve inches. Nos. 2 and 3 take the off-side pack, place it well up on the saddle; No. 2 grasps the loop of the sling-rope with his right hand, brings the rope up against the pack and lets the loop drop over his right shoulder in readiness to pass it over the pack; No. 2 holds the pack in place.

No. 3 passes to the near side and with No. 1 takes the near-side pack and places it, flat side next the mule, well up on the saddle, lapping the upper edge well over the upper edge of the off-side pack. No. 1, with his back to the mule's shoulder, takes the end of the front part of the sling-rope, passes it from the outside through the loop, and pulls it down with the right hand; he now grasps the rear end of the sling-rope with the left hand, and ties the ends together in a square bow-knot, the packs high up.

No. 1 calls out, "Settle"; No. 1 and No. 2 each grasps his side of the cargo by the lower corners, lifts upward and outward, settling the upper edges well together and balancing the load. If the packs are tied too high they are easily lowered, but if tied too low they must be lifted and placed as in the first trial.

Fig. 24.

Fig. 25.

Fig. 26.

Fig. 27.

Fig. 28.

Fig. 29.

While Nos. 1 and 2 are tying and placing the cargo, No. 3 takes the lash-rope, throws the free end to the rear of the mule, convenient to No. 2, and places the cincha end in front of No. 1. No. 1 grasps the rope with the right hand, three feet from the cincha, and passes the hook end of the cincha under the mule to No. 2, who takes the hook (H, [Fig. 24]) in the left hand; No. 1 with the left hand grasps the rope three feet above the right, raises the rope and lays it between the side-packs from rear to front (P P′), pulling it to the front until a long enough loop (A) is formed to pass over the cargo and fasten in the cincha-hook (H). The right hand, back down, holds the cincha end of the rope, the loop (A) falling outward over the right forearm; the left hand, back up, holding the other part of the rope between the loop and the middle of the packs; No. 1 now throws the loop (A) over the pack, then lets the part in the left hand drop on the mule's neck, thus forming another loop (A′, Fig. 25); No. 2 passes the rope through the hook, pulls the cincha end of the rope till the hook is drawn up so that, when tightened, the hook shall be near the lower edge of the off pad. No. 1 now grasps the rope at G, [Fig. 26], and tucks a loop from rear to front, under the part AA, [Fig. 26], over the centre of the near-side pack (G, [Fig.] 27); No. 2 passes the free end of the rope under the part EE, [Fig. 27], and throws it over on the near side of the mule's neck; No. 1 draws the tucked loop forward and forces the rope under the corners and lower edge of the near pad and hauls it taut from above the rear corner; No. 2 grasps the rope at I, [Fig. 27], with the left hand, and at K with the right hand, and passes the rope under the corners and lower edge of off pad (KL, [Fig. 28]) and hauls taut at the front corner, No. 1 taking in the slack at the free end of the rope.

The lash is now ready for the final tightening. No. 2 removes the blind, leads the mule forward a few steps, No. 1 in rear at the same time looking to see if the packs are properly adjusted. The mule is again blinded. The object of the final tightening is to lash the load firmly to the saddle; pulling all the parts of the lash-rope taut, and taking up the slack, commencing at the cincha; and continuing the process from part to part, until the slack is taken up at the free end of the lash-rope. While No. 2 is pulling the parts taut, No. 1 takes up the slack or steadies the cargo, or vice versa; the pulling is done in such manner as not to shake the cargo out of position.

No. 2 grasps the lash-rope above where it leaves the hook and below the edge of the pad, right hand below left, places left knee against rear corner of pad; No. 1 grasps with the right hand the same part of the rope where it comes over the pack on the near side, and with the left hand at G, [Fig. 28], places his right shoulder against the pack to steady it; he then says, "Pull." No. 2 tightens by steady pulls and, without letting the rope slip back through the hook, gives the slack to No. 1, who takes it up by steady pulls. When No. 2 thinks the cincha is sufficiently drawn, he says, "Enough." No. 1 holds solid with the right hand, slips the left down to where the rope passes over the front edge of the pad, and holds solid; the right hand then grasps the continuation of the rope at rear corner of pad and pulls taut; then with both hands, placing his right knee against rear corner of pad, pulls the rope well home, No. 2 taking up the slack by grasping the rope (I, [Fig. 28]) where it comes over the rear end of off-side pack, with both hands. No. 1 steps to the front and steadies the pack; No. 2 then pulls taut the parts on his side, taking up the slack; this draws the part of the lash-rope AA, [Fig. 28], well back at the middle of the pack; he then with the left hand at the rear corner of pad (K) pulls taut, and holds solid, while with right hand at front corner of pad (L) he takes up slack; he then, with both hands at, and placing his knee against, the front corner of the pad, pulls well taut, No. 1 taking up the slack on his side, and then pulls solid, drawing the part EE, [Fig. 28], of the rope coming out from the hook well forward at the middle of the pack, then carries the free end under the corners and end of pad, draws taut and ties the end fast by a half-hitch near cincha end of lash-rope. If the rope should be long enough to reach over the load, after passing under the corners, it is passed over and made fast on the off side by tying around both parts of the lash-rope above the hook and drawing them well together.

To tighten the lash rope on the load it is necessary to take up and pass the slack as in the final tightening.

To slacken the rope on the load it is necessary to begin to slacken from the free end, and carry the slack by reversing the process of tightening.

When the pack-cover is used, it is placed over the cargo before putting on the lash-rope.

When the side-packs are of unequal bulk or weight, the larger or heavier should be placed on the near side; it should then lap over the off-side pack until the packs balance.

Top Packs, i. e., small packages placed in the middle between the side packs, should be avoided.

When the sling-rope is half-hitched into the saddle-yokes the load is made more secure, but there is great danger of injury to the mule's back.

On the full-rigged saddle the canvas cincha is attached to the saddle by the "spider"; the side packs are laid on the saddle as before, held by the sling-straps and secured by the cargo-cincha. The lash-and sling-ropes are then dispensed with, but the use of the lash-and sling-ropes gives greater security to the cargo and greater comfort to the mule.

TO UNLOAD CARGO.

Only two men, Nos. 1 and 2, are necessary; they work as when loading.

The mule is placed with head toward the centre of where the cargoes are piled. No. 1 puts on the blind; No. 2 unfastens the free end of the lash-rope; then Nos. 1 and 2 slacken the rope; No. 2 with the left hand removes the part under the end and corners of the pad on the off side and unhooks the cincha with the right hand; No. 1 removes the part under the ends and corners of the pad on the near side, gathers the parts of the rope together on his side with both hands, coiling it, and lays the rope on the ground where he intends to place the cargo, the cincha and free end exposed on the side opposite where the rigging is to be placed; No. 1 unties the sling-rope, casts it loose, takes his side pack and places it on the lash-rope across the line of cargo; No. 2 at the same time takes his pack and lays it on top of near side pack, and then, holding the sling-rope at centre loop, doubles it and places it on top of load, loop exposed, for convenience when required.

The second load is placed end to end with the first and on the side next to where the rigging is to be placed; the end of the lash-rope is coiled and placed on top of the last sling-rope, and is used for tying the mule when reloading.

The saddle-cinchas should be slackened and the mules allowed to cool before removing the saddles.

TO UNSADDLE.

Unfasten the latigo and throw the end across the top of saddle; fold the cincha with latigo inside and place across top of saddle; push the saddle back, remove crupper from under dock, double it forward, with crupper above cincha on top of saddle, and remove saddle; the saddles are placed in line, resting on the ends of pads.

CHAPTER III.

The Mule. Description. Diseases. Treatment.

The mule has the advantage of the horse in better withstanding neglect, bad treatment, poor feed, and hard usage.

The pack-mule should be active, short-coupled, short-legged, small-boned, square-built, with manifest powers of endurance, and should weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds. Army Regulations state that "mules purchased for the army by the Quartermaster's Department should conform to the following conditions: They should be strong, stout, compact, sound, and kind; free from defects in every particular; from four to nine years old; from 850 to 1200 pounds in weight; from 14 to 16 hands high, and suitable in all respects for the transportation service of the army. If for draught purposes, they are to be well broken to harness; if for pack purposes, they need not be broken, and the standard of height may be reduced to 13½ hands, if the animal be in other respects suitable.

"Every animal will be branded with the letters U. S. on the left fore shoulder on the day he is received. A complete descriptive list will be made of each animal at the time of purchase, which will accompany him wherever he may be transferred."

Under ordinary circumstances none but gentle, well-broken mules from four to eight years old should be purchased.

New mules should be handled with the greatest patience, care, and kindness until they become thoroughly accustomed to the new service required of them. All violence must be avoided, for mules are naturally timid and easily startled, and for this reason men of good temper should be employed in breaking them; any rough treatment is sure to lead to delay in the training and may cause irretrievable harm.

Age.—Ordinary limit 15 to 16 years; many live to 20, some to 30, years. From 8 to 12 he is in his prime.

Age is told by teeth, as with horses.

Sex.—Females are generally to be preferred to males for mountain-batteries, being, as a rule, more docile and better shaped.

Pace.—A battery-mule can walk four miles an hour. The average transport-mule walks a little over three miles an hour. A mule's pace is slow down but quick up hill. Mules show fatigue in their gait by drooping the head; the neck becomes horizontal and the ears droop back; the ordinary carriage of the latter is erect and forward; when the mule begins to fan them, he is probably tired.

Condition.—They should be kept in hard condition—not fat.

Watering.—They will ordinarily refuse hard or bad water; and sometimes decline to drink merely from fancy, and will water from a bucket when not from the stream. By throwing a handful of grass into the bucket of water, they may generally be induced to drink. They may be watered on the march, even when hot, if kept in motion afterward. Where there are leeches in a stream, be careful not to water too close to the bank.

Feeding.—The government allowance for a mule is 14 pounds of hay and 9 pounds of oats, corn, or barley per day. In special cases of hard service or exposure the Quartermaster-General may authorize the grain ration to be increased not to exceed 3 pounds when recommended by the Chief Quartermaster of the Department or of an army in the field. One hundred pounds of straw per month is allowed for bedding.

It is a mistake to suppose that all mules require the same amount of food. The officer should notice each animal, and determine the increase or decrease in the regular ration to keep him in proper condition. A mule will eat as much as a horse of the same size; he will eat almost anything to keep from starving.

Salt, in a lump, or ground with feed, should be given whenever it can be had. It is obtained on requisition (Form 41) from the Subsistence Department, each animal being allowed 2 ounces per week; or 12 ounces per month if deemed necessary by the commanding officer.

Vinegar is similarly obtained for sanitary purposes, at the rate of 2 gallons per week per 100 animals.

Soft Food, bran-mashes, should be given at least once a week if possible.

Animals should be grazed whenever the opportunity occurs.

Care.—Grooming should be carried out as with horses, but need not be so elaborate. Manes are usually hogged; tails are cut, but not in hot weather during the fly season. The hair on the mule's heels should never be cut; nor should the mud, in the winter season, be washed off, but allowed to dry on the animal's legs, and then rubbed off with hay or straw.

Feet.—Keep in the natural state as nearly as possible. Mules suffer from standing on wet ground; but in dry climates, or in stables with modern floors, care should be taken that their feet get sufficient moisture, by wetting them or standing the animal a short time where this result will be obtained.

Shoeing.—The hot shoe must never be applied to the foot under any circumstances. Give the ground-surface a level bearing. Let the frog come to the ground; if it projects beyond the shoe, so much the better; never under any circumstances cut it away. Never put a knife to the sole of the foot. Let the shoes be as light as possible, without calks if avoidable, exactly the shape of the animal's foot; secure with two nails on each side, an inch apart, and one in the toe.

The Putnam hot-forged nail is excellent.

Harnessing.—Meddle as little as possible with a mule's ears, as they are exceedingly sensitive. With care the mule can be easily bridled; but once struck on the head or pulled by the ear, there will be trouble ever after.

Pit the bridle carefully; see that the crown-piece is not too tight; that the bit fits easily in the mouth; that the corners of the mouth are not drawn up: otherwise the animal's mouth will become sore. The throat-latch must be loose.

See that the other parts of the harness fit properly and do not rub or gall the animal.

To harness a vicious mule, put the noose of a lariat over his head, taking care that it does not choke him; place him on the near side of a wagon; carry the end of the lariat between the spokes and around the felloe of the front wheel; walk back with it to the hind wheel, keeping it taut; pass the end between the spokes and around the felloe of that wheel, and pull the mule close to the wagon.

Take care to have the lariat as high as the mule's breast in front and the flank in rear.

Breaking.—Gentleness and patience are essential.

First let the animal smell the saddle, etc. (an old one if possible). Then saddle carefully, girthing up gradually; when the mule will walk quietly about saddled, the rest of the harness may be added by degrees, particular care being taken in first putting on the crupper. When quite used to harness, accustom the mule to the sight of the load—at first bags of sand, about 80 pounds each. Load with these, the weight being increased if necessary.

Battery-mules should follow the battery, barebacked, from their first arrival, and get used to the sights and sounds; and when broken to saddle and load, should go laden. They should be trained first on easy and then on difficult ground; also to cross shallow ditches and obstacles without hesitation, at first saddled, afterwards loaded. In leading a mule the rein should always be loose. A trained mule should lead. Avoid using the whip.

VETERINARY TREATMENT.

This treatment is about the same as for horses; common ailments are strangles, cold, sore mouth, poll-evil, fistulous withers, galls and sitfasts, thrush, colic, cramp, mange, grease. Where backs show the least sign of softness it is well to rub in salt and water. The same precaution should be taken with young mules about the part where the crupper is liable to chafe the dock, daily for a week before working.

Strangles.—This is a specific fever of young animals, usually attended with swellings and inflammations; an abscess generally forms between the bones of the lower jaw or elsewhere in groups of lymphatic glands; there are cough, difficulty of swallowing, discharge at the nostrils, and general prostration.

Treatment.—Give light bran-mashes, plenty of common salt, and keep the animal in a warm dry stable, with plenty of pure air. Encourage the ulcer; apply Gombault's balsam, if at hand, three times a day to induce suppuration, or, when it has come sufficiently to a head and appears soft enough to lance, do so, being careful to avoid the glands and veins. Tonics, three times a day, such as 20 grains of quinine, or 1 ounce ground gentian, or a teaspoonful powdered sulphate of iron.

Cold.—This disease seldom attacks mature mules in camp. Young stock on first being stabled, or stock out of hot, badly ventilated stables, on exposure may contract colds. The animal appears out of condition, with slight fever, eyes dull, cough and nasal discharge.

Treatment.—Remove to airy box-stall; clothe and bandage; apply ammonia liniment to the throat if there be a cough; steam the nostrils. Open the bowels by injection of tepid soap-suds, or give one third of a dose of oil; feed soft food; give quinine 10-grain doses.

Sore Mouth.—There are few diseases to which the mule's teeth are subject after the permanent teeth are developed. If the gums are swollen from the cutting of teeth, a light stroke of the lancet over the gums at a point where the teeth are forcing their way through, and a little regard to the animal's diet, will be all that is necessary. Mules suffer from injury to the tongue and sore mouth, caused by bad treatment. With a sponge apply to the sore parts a light decoction of white-oak bark; give nourishing gruels or bran-mashes; keep the bit out of the mouth until healed.

The Eye.—Occasionally mules' eyes become inflamed and sore. Apply warm or, if not obtainable, cold water and remove the cause. (See Ophthalmia, Vet. Notes.)

Poll-evil.—Mules are quite subject to this disease. It begins with an ulcer or sore at the junction of the head and neck, and from its position, more than from any other cause, it is difficult to heal.

Treatment.—When the swelling first appears, use hot fomentations. If these are not at hand, use cold water frequently, and keep the bridle and halter from the parts. If ulceration nevertheless takes place, the seton must be skilfully applied.

Fistula.—Fistula of withers is due to bruises, bad-fitting saddle or harness, or rolling on hard substances. It generally first appears as a swelling, then inflammation sets in and a tumor begins to form.

Treatment.—The fistula in its first stages may be driven away by frequent applications of cold water. Should the swelling continue, use warm fomentations, poultices, and stimulating embrocations. When in proper condition it should be opened, and kept so until all of the matter has escaped and the wound shows signs of healing.

The bowels should be opened by means of a cathartic of aloes.

Galls and Sitfasts.—One of the best remedies for saddle-gall is to remove the saddle pressure as much as possible, and bathe the back frequently with salt and cold water.

If this does not succeed the trouble will continue, and a root will form at the centre of the gall, the edges of which will be clear, the sitfast holding only by the root. In this case take a pair of pincers and pull it out. This done, bathe frequently with cold water. A little soothing oil, or grease free from salt, may be rubbed lightly on the parts as they begin to heal. One of the best remedies for galls is to cleanse the wound and blow into it a mixture of one part of iodoform to three parts of sulphur: if it be necessary to use the animal, cover the part with old-fashioned sticking-plaster.

Thrush.—Treatment.—Cut away the parts of the frog that seem to be destroyed; cleanse daily with castile soap, and apply muriatic acid, or a little tar mixed with salt on oakum or tow.

Colic.—The mule is quite subject to this complaint. Too much cold water or changes of grain will produce it.

The animal swells up, pants, looks around at his sides, paws, sweats above the eyes and on the flanks, becomes very restless, lying down and suddenly springing to his feet, lies down again, etc.

Treatment.—Drench with one ounce of chloral-hydrate in a half pint of water or two ounces of sulphuric ether and two ounces of tincture of opium in half pint of linseed oil, repeating the dose an hour afterwards if not relieved; or 2 oz. oil of turpentine, 1 oz. tinct. opium given in 12 oz. linseed oil or a pint of thick gruel. The belly should be well hand-rubbed and the animal walked about. Inject warm soap-suds.

Cramp.—Treatment.—A good hand-rubbing.

Mange.—Treatment.—Rub the animal with a mixture of hog's lard and sulphur, two pints of the latter to one pint of the former; cover with blanket; two days later wash clean with soft soap and water; blanket for a few days to avoid cold. Feed bran-mashes, plenty of salt and water.

Grease.—This is a diseased state of the skin of the legs, and more especially the hind ones. In the early stages it consists of an inflammation of the sweat-glands, followed by an offensive oily discharge. The principal cause is uncleanliness, or by washing the legs with cold water and not properly drying them afterwards.

Treatment.—Without cleanliness medical remedies are worthless. Apply poultices; leave them on half a day. Boiled turnips, carrots, bread and milk, or bran and hot water are all good. Apply Gombault's balsam, one part to four parts of glycerine, once every two days in chronic cases. Or clean the parts well with castile soap and warm water, and use an ointment made of powdered charcoal two ounces, lard or tallow four ounces, sulphur two ounces, mix thoroughly and rub in well by hand. Or gunpowder and lard or tallow, equal parts, is good; or dress with carbolized oil or oxide of zinc ointment.

Glanders.—A highly infectious and contagious disease of the lungs; incurable, and communicable to man.

The three characteristic signs are: 1. A peculiar transparent, glutinous, and continuous discharge, usually from one nostril, which discharge, moreover, accumulates and entangles all kinds of filth, so that it is unlikely to escape observation. 2. Ulceration of the mucous membranes of the nostril: the process of ulceration much resembles the erosion of metals, there being first an oxidation and afterwards a breach of the surface, the patch having irregular margins and showing no disposition to heal, but, on the contrary, to spread. 3. An enlargement of the submaxillary gland in the channel formed between the lower jaw-bones, such enlargement being firmly attached to the bone and immovable. It further manifests no disposition to suppurate and form an abscess, but, on the contrary, remains unaltered so long as the animal is allowed to live.

Treatment.—On any one of the above-enumerated symptoms being reported, at once isolate the animal; have bedding destroyed, and carefully remove all clothing, stable utensils, etc., from the vicinity of other animals pending decision of a veterinary surgeon. Place a steady man in charge, and warn him of personal risk.

When assured an animal has glanders, have it shot at once, and burn all bedding, clothing, etc.

CHAPTER IV.

Mountain-artillery. General Instructions. Supply of Ammunition. Care and Preservation of Harness. Instructions for Drivers, etc. Marches. Camps. Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Mountain-artillery.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.

A mountain-battery should be self-reliant, and, as far as possible, independent of assistance beyond that of the usual escort furnished for its protection, and in the highest state of efficiency to take the field at a moment's notice.

It should be taken at least once a week for a march of ten or fifteen miles over the most difficult ground in its vicinity. Platoons completely equipped should be sent out separately once a week.

Every opportunity must be taken for instruction of officers and men in the many devices and methods of obtaining cover, protection from the weather, construction of huts, kitchens, ovens, latrines, etc., and the tactical use and care of the battery.

Mountain-batteries are organized by platoons; each being complete in itself and capable of being detached from the battery at a moment's notice. Therefore the whole of the equipment, stores, camp-equipage, and baggage belonging to each platoon should remain at all times under immediate charge of the chief of platoon.

In like manner chiefs of section should have charge of their respective sections, receiving their orders from their chiefs of platoon.

The baggage-mules form part of the section, and should be picketed with the ordnance-mules of the section and be under the same supervision.

A set of heliographs and signal apparatus should be carried and used.

A mountain-battery must be able to climb and keep with infantry.

As the number of guns engaged is always small, concentration of fire is especially desirable, even when the ground does not admit of concentration of guns.

Mountain warfare involves frequent exposure to sudden attacks. Guns should therefore always have a strong infantry escort; but the fact of having an escort should not prevent the commander from having a lookout posted on his exposed flank.

Choice of positions and taking advantage of ground are exceptionally difficult, and need special training, quickness, and constant practice.

It is not always easy to secure a ready supply of ammunition. Firing should therefore be confined, as a rule, to the most effective ranges. It is a waste of ammunition to fire at long ranges.

Only as many ammunition-mules as are immediately required should be brought up to the battery; the remainder, with relief-mules, etc., should be kept under cover in rear.

Care must be taken to equalize the loads of ammunition-mules.

The position of the battery in the column, when there is a probability of being attacked, should never be too far to the front, but sufficiently so to come into action as soon as the advanced guard is engaged.

It should march after the second company of the main body if the advanced guard consists of only one company, or after the first company if only two companies are in the advanced guard.

The battery ought never to be broken up unless under exceptional circumstances, such as there being insufficient space for the guns in line. In such cases the chiefs of platoon should keep up communication with the battery commander, who directs the fire generally.

This breaking up of the battery does not refer to small isolated columns to which platoons only may be attached.

Placed in position sufficiently far to the front to support the troops with which it is co-operating, without endangering the guns, any further change of position, excepting at the critical moment of pursuit or retreat, should not be made without some very strong reason. If a second position becomes necessary, the battery commander should first assure himself that he can reach it in time to carry out his idea, and without the liability of experiencing heavy loss.

Before coming into action the battery is divided into two lines, viz., the first line, consisting of the six guns and the twelve ammunition-mules, and the second line, consisting of the remaining ammunition-mules and spare material-mules of the battery.

The Supply of Ammunition is kept up as follows: In action the boxes of the first ammunition-mules are unloaded and placed in rear of the guns, or, if the ground permits, in rear of the flanks of the battery.

The unloaded mules are placed under cover near the remaining ammunition-mules of the first line, fifty or sixty yards in rear of the line.

The second line, under the first sergeant, is three or four hundred yards in rear of the first line and under cover.

The first ammunition-boxes unloaded have their contents distributed, by the non-commissioned officer in charge, to the proper cannoneers of each gun detachment; and as soon as the contents of half the boxes have been fired three of the second ammunition-mules are sent to the front and their boxes removed; then, reloaded with empty boxes, they are sent to their position under cover.

To Supply the First Line from the Second Line.—The first sergeant tells off six ammunition-mules to be in readiness to move to the front, under a non-commissioned officer, when required.

As soon as the battery opens fire these mules are sent forward to the first line and remain there under cover. As soon as the first six ammunition-mules laden with empty boxes are assembled under cover they are sent back, under a non-commissioned officer, to the second line.

CARE AND PRESERVATION OF HARNESS.

All harness should be periodically taken to pieces and thoroughly examined. It should be oiled with neat's-foot oil two or three times a year, and kept soft and pliable. Good castile soap and water should be used for washing harness, and the dressing furnished by the Ordnance Department. This dressing is applied with a woollen cloth, left on until the next day, and then thoroughly wiped off with a woollen cloth.

It is made as follows (ingredients for two gallons): 1 gal. neat's-foot oil, 2 lbs. bayberry tallow, 2 lbs. beeswax, 2 lbs. beef tallow. Place in a pan over a moderate fire and let the above ingredients remain one hour, until thoroughly dissolved; then add 2 quarts of castor oil and stir well until the mass comes to a boil, so that the ingredients may become thoroughly mixed; after which add 1 oz. lamp-black and stir well for ten minutes; then strain the liquid while hot through a cotton cloth to remove sediment of beeswax, tallow, and lamp-black, and put aside to cool.

Colgate's black harness-soap and Frank Miller's harness-soap, No. 2½, are excellent for cleaning harness and keeping it soft.

Blacking for Harness and Bridle Leather.—A decoction of iron-rust and vinegar, applied to the grain side of the leather after it has been stained. In staining, apply with a hair brush, a solution of logwood, sal-soda, and soft water.

Iron parts when rusted should be cleaned with kerosene, wiped dry, and then have applied a light coating of asphaltum paint; allow it to dry and then apply a second coat.

In the field there will not usually be much time or many materials for cleaning harness. Rust should be cleaned off ironwork with sand and then it should be oiled. Leather work should be kept soft and pliable. First remove the mud and dried sweat with as little water as possible and then work in a little oil or soft soap.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIVERS, ETC.

The carriage-mule is always the leader when packing, or on the near side in draught. This mule should therefore be the most tractable and intelligent.

The mule-driver is at the left of and near the head of his mule.

If the leader is well trained and intelligent it is better to let him have his head, the driver taking place abreast the saddle.

In saddling, the driver should make sure that the hair lies fair on the mule's back under the blanket; that the blanket is properly folded; that the saddle is securely girthed, and the load evenly balanced and firmly lashed.

When on a march, as soon as it is time to feed in the morning, rub off the animal's back until the hair lies smooth; place the blanket well forward on the withers and draw it back until in proper position. Saddle, drawing the cincha half tight, and feed. After feeding, and when ready to pack, draw up the cincha.

During packing and unpacking the driver should never leave the mule's head.

The pads should cover the mule from donkey-mark on wither nearly to hip-joint. Large pads cause less rocking of the load than small and give larger bearing surfaces; by distributing the load over a large surface of the back, the animal is enabled to carry it easier and with less chance of galls.

Pads properly stuffed show no creases in the lining, feel smooth, firm, elastic, and not too hard, and have no hard knots.

Stuffing should be of wool, well cleaned, and unravelled before use.

Avoid giving hard work on new stuffed pads, if possible; otherwise do not stuff pads too tight, but add daily as stuffing settles down. Pads must be quilted for about one and a half inches along the upper edge to keep the spine clear of pressure; also where girths cause friction. They should be beaten and brushed, but the stuffing should be seldom interfered with when once settled down. When hard it must be pricked up with an awl.

Injuries to mules from bad saddlery arise from uneven pressure in stuffing; stuffing working to front or rear, or getting hard or knotted; pads not properly quilted; badly made repairs; or extraneous substances getting between the pad and the mule's skin.

Surcingles should lie flat over and should not be tighter than the cincha. Breast-pieces and breeching should hang from their bearing-straps at such a height as not to impede the free action of the limbs or the breathing. The breast-piece should not hang on the point of the shoulder, but its top edge should reach to where the neck joins the body.

In going up or down hill the saddle and load should be kept in place by adjusting the breast-and breech-straps without halting.

The breast-strap should be tightened in ascents, slackened on the level and in descents.

Breeching should always be tightened in going down hill, when it and not the crupper should take the strain. Hip-straps should bring it about in line with its point of attachment to the saddle. If too high it may slip up under the tail when the strain comes on it.

The crupper should not be tighter than is necessary to keep the saddle from shifting forward. The dock of the crupper must at all times be kept soft, smooth, and pliable.

Breast-straps and crupper should be removed when the animal is fed and watered.

The leading-bit is to touch the corners of the mouth, but should be low enough not to wrinkle them; leading rein buckled to near side of the bit.

MARCHES.

In warm climates march early to avoid the heat. Mules travel well at night. Men and animals should have food before marching.

Officers and non-commissioned officers superintend loading; at which all should be expert.

When the battery is loaded and formed, always inspect carefully to see that the work has been properly done. A habit of prompt loading is most important. One hour should be ample time between reveille and starting on the road.

In moving off, drivers must move promptly, and use the leading-rein with a very light hand. Mules move best with loose reins.

If avoidable, do not carry sick men on bareback or blanketed mules, as the animals get galled.

The distance between mules on good roads is one yard. In passing obstacles or difficult ground, distances must be increased as needed. Every mule should have his head. Cannoneers should help to steady the loads. Occasionally it may be advisable to unload in passing obstacles.

Cannoneers should keep near their respective mules and not straggle; and must assist the drivers in watching and adjusting loads.

The driver must constantly watch his mule and load, and at once call attention to signs of uneasiness or anything requiring adjustment, if he cannot adjust it himself.

When a load becomes disarranged the mule must be fallen out and the load put to rights; the driver regains his place at the first opportunity.

Distances must be regained gradually, not by rushing: at an amble if absolutely necessary.

The pace should be regular and constant, smart, not hurried, about four miles an hour unless with other troops; in no case so fast as to cause trotting in rear. Forcing the pace or dragging it, many halts and checks without unloading or giving time for feeding and watering, are ruinous.

When a laden mule falls, keep his head down; cast off the straps and remove the load; unsaddle if necessary.

Always form battery advanced and rear guards of properly armed men.

It is sometimes convenient to have pioneer-tools with the advanced guard.

The sick transport marches with the rear-guard, whose special duty it is to keep every fraction of the battery ahead of it.

March on as broad a front as possible; but frequent changes are harassing.

When feasible, considerable distance between platoons makes marching easier.

Officers should constantly move along their commands, checking irregularities, regulating the pace, and supervising every detail as regards men, mules, and loads, while avoiding harassing interference. This is especially important with pack-animals.

An officer should be in charge of the baggage if possible. In crossing fords some men should see to the loads, as the high action of the mules in passing through water is liable to unsteady them. Occasions may occur when the mule may be obliged to swim, and in such cases the saddle must be removed, and any attempt to guide the mule should be made by the slightest touch possible; pulling at the head is to be avoided. A mule swimming can be most easily turned by splashing the water against the side of the face opposite the direction required.

Keep to the spurs of hills in going up and generally in going down hill. Sometimes a short cut may be found down a ravine.

At the beginning of a march check the pace a little; make an early halt, so that men can fall out and adjust anything requiring it.

Occasional halts should be made afterwards. Short halts are best for pack-animals. At every halt non-commissioned officers and drivers inspect their animals and attend to any signs of galling or uneasiness. The rear closes up to its proper distance before halting.

On hill roads mules should be stood level across the road, heads outward from the hillside. If the path be too narrow for this, drivers must stand at their mules' heads to prevent the risk of a tumble down the hillside in attempts to graze. Mules are apt to roll when halted.

In marches with other troops, on halting always find out how long the halt is to be, and if time permits remove loads if practicable.

Advantage may be taken of long halts to water, and feed if advisable and means are at hand. A feed of grain should always be carried in the nose-bags if possible.

On long marches opportunities to feed and water should be sought for.

When halted allow the men to stray from their mules as little as possible. Disarrangement of loads and possible accidents are thereby avoided.

As pack-mules require very tight girthing, they should remain girthed as short a time as possible. Gun-and carriage-mules are the tightest girthed.

Their loads may be shifted to the relief-mules at the half-way halt, these mules not being tightly girthed until on the point of loading. Girths of the relieved mules should be slackened gradually, as sudden loosing of the girths causes swellings.

CAMPS.

On reaching camp halt the battery, in line, in rear of the ground to be occupied, facing to the front. Indicate the positions for material, etc. The battery is then marched to the site of the gun-park and the guns formed action front, the stores and boxes being piled in rear of each gun. If possible make a foundation of stones, etc., for the piles of boxes to rest on, dig a trench around it, and cover the pile with a paulin firmly secured.

The men's tents are on either flank, the mules being picketed between the lines of tents. The officers' tents are on a line perpendicular to the men's tents, and about twenty-five yards from the end ones, and face inward. The guard-tents are near the flank guns.

After unloading, girths are loosened a little, and are allowed to remain so for fifteen minutes.

If the animals are warm they should be walked around until cool, and may then be watered. As a rule all watering should be superintended by an officer, and no man should be allowed to take more than two mules to water at the same time.

When the mules are put on the picket-line, remove bridles and wipe bits, loosen cincha a little, and place breeching over saddle, and take off breast-strap if one be used. Sponge nostrils and eyes, rub heads with dry wisp, and feed hay or grass. Saddles are only removed by order; and when removed the men must examine shoulders, withers, sides, and docks, and report the result. Backs should be rubbed off until the hair lies smooth.

The saddles are placed on end behind the line, pads facing sun or wind to dry. When dry they should be carefully brushed, beaten if necessary, and all hair removed.

At afternoon stables mules are groomed, watered if necessary, and fed, and the grain for the next morning served out and the outfit arranged for use. In grooming never use a currycomb on the animal's back.

Saddles, back up, are on one paulin spread out between every two mules, with bridles, etc. The other paulin is then placed over the saddles and over the ends of the first paulin, which are turned up, and a strap is passed around it and buckled about two feet above the ground. In wet weather the ground on which the saddles are placed should be raised.

Grooming is the same as with horses; but mules hardly need the elaborate grooming usually bestowed on horses.

The mule's blanket is used for his covering at night, and in hot weather is folded up square on his back and secured there as a protection against the sun.

Gunners will require their detachments of cannoneers to clean up guns, etc., after a march.

All men for mountain-batteries should be picked men.

Troop "B," Fourth Cavalry, while in Arizona kept on hand ready to start on a scouting expedition with its pack-train: flour 500 lbs., hard bread 50 lbs., bacon 350 lbs., sugar 75 lbs., coffee 60 lbs., beans 50 lbs., salt 25 lbs., baking-powder 20 lbs.; 6 camp-kettles, 40 lbs.; 2 mess-boxes, 150 lbs.; 20 mess-pans, 10 lbs.; 1 axe, 1 spade, small coffee-mill, 2 butcher-knives, 2 long forks, 2 long spoons, 3 or 4 tin plates, 3 frying-pans, soap, pepper, matches, and a few farrier's remedies. The baking-pans were circular, 12 inches in diameter at top and 9 at bottom.

The Rule for Making Bread was as follows: Dig a trench a little over a foot wide, a foot deep, and 12 feet long. Build a fire near it. Then mix 40 quart-cups of flour with salt, baking-powder and water in a mess-box; divide dough in ten equal parts and place each in a small mess-pan. Cover bottom of trench with a layer of coals 3 inches; then place on layer the pans of dough and cover same with larger pans so as to protect from dirt, etc. Fill trench and cover tops and sides of pans with coals. Leave for 1¼ hours. Each loaf will make four rations.

TABLE OF MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY.

PART II.

FIELD-ARTILLERY.

CHAPTER I.

Construction of Field-guns.

DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION OF FIELD-ARTILLERY GUNS (LATEST MODEL).

The guns described in this and the next chapter are built-up guns made of low steel, and all the parts are tempered in oil.

The tube enters the jacket from the front[3] and has shoulders upon it, which come in contact with corresponding shoulders in the jacket. These shoulders prevent any forward movement of the tube or rear movement of the jacket.

The tube tapers from in front of the jacket to the muzzle, which ends in a swell.

The exterior of the jacket is made up of a series of tapering surfaces.

On the interior surface, starting from the rear end, there are first, the seat for the carrier-ring in the jacket, which also contains the slotted and threaded sectors for holding the breech-block; in front of this is the tapering gas-check seat in the tube; and forward of this is the cylindrical powder-chamber, which is connected to the shot-chamber by a slope. The shot-chamber also is cylindrical and connected with the bore by a slope.

The vent being axial in the model of '90, enters the powder-chamber through and along the axis of the spindle of the obturator. In front of the gas-check seat in the model of '85 there is a cylindrical surface leading to the ellipsoidal powder-chamber, which is connected with the shot-chamber by a slope, and the radial vent enters 12½ inches from the rear face of the jacket and at the maximum diameter of the powder-chamber. The vent-piece, made of copper, is screwed into position, the part projecting above the surface of the piece being rectangular.

The Breech Mechanism.

The principal parts are the breech-block, the carrier-ring, the obturator, the lever-handle, the bronze handle, and the vent-cover.

THE BREECH-BLOCK.

Fig. 30.

The Block, [Fig. 30], is threaded for a distance of four inches from its forward end, and the circumference of the thread is divided into six equal parts. The threads of the block are removed along three alternate sectors, as is usual in the interrupted-screw fermature, to allow the block to slide in the corresponding slotted sectors in the jacket (or base-ring in earlier model).

The threaded sectors engage in the corresponding slotted sectors in the breech-block, but one sixth of a turn of the block will engage the screw-threads of both.

The interior of the block is bored out to form the obturator-spindle recess.

At the end of the block are two lugs for the lever-handle. On the right one is a shoulder which limits the motion of the lever-handle.

The Nose is the front end of the block, slightly reduced in diameter in order to partly enter the gas-check seat.

The Stop-groove, into which the stop on the carrier-ring enters, is in the planed sector on the left-hand side.

Fig. 31.

The Latch-groove ([Fig. 31]) is in two parts, one longitudinal (d), at the front end of the block, and the other transverse (a), at the rear end. The stem of the latch drops into the front groove (e) when the block is withdrawn, and into the rear groove (b) when the block is revolved into its firing position, in each case unlocking the carrier-ring from the jacket—in the first case, so that it maybe swung back; in the second, to prevent the breaking of the latch when the gun is discharged.

The Locking-recess (e) is at the front end of the longitudinal latch-groove. The stem of the latch drops into it when the block is withdrawn, and thus locks the block positively to the carrier-ring.

The Guide-groove is the cylindrical recess at the rear of the block in which the guide-sectors move when the block is rotated.

THE CARRIER-RING.

Fig. 32.

The Guide-sectors (b, [Fig. 32]) are three projections from the interior of the carrier-ring (h), which fit in the slotted sectors of the breech-block and guide it during its motion through the carrier-ring.

The Latch-cover (i) is a separate piece which covers the latch and its spring, and is secured to the carrier-ring by two screws (j). On removing this plate the latch and spring can be taken out.

The Latch (f in [Fig. 32]) fits in a recess in the carrier-ring on the right side. It is acted on by a spring (b, [Fig. 33]), which pushes it constantly toward the axis of the carrier-ring. Its inner end or stem (a) rests on the surface of one of the slotted sectors, except at the end of its travel, when it drops into the corresponding recess in the block. As long as its stem rests on the surface of the sector its outer end or nose projects beyond the exterior surface of the carrier-ring, and, entering a recess in the jacket, locks the carrier-ring to the jacket. When the stem drops into its recesses, the nose of the latch is withdrawn by the action of the spring and the carrier-ring is unlocked. The front face of the latch has a recess (h), into which fits a hardened stud (s) that is screwed into the rear face of the jacket. This stud acting against the recess lifts the latch out of its locking-recess in the breech-block, and holds it in a position such that the stem can pass up the inclined groove. In order that the stud may act on the latch, a hole (g) is drilled through the front face of the carrier-ring for the stud to pass through.

Fig. 33.

The functions of the latch-spring have already been explained.

The Stop (c, [Fig. 32]) enters the carrier-ring on the left side between the lugs (e), and projects beyond the bore of the carrier-ring, entering a groove in the breech-block which is cut for it. This stop limits the travel of the block to the rear in withdrawing it, and also limits its rotation.

The Hinge-pin enters the lugs (e) of the carrier-ring and a corresponding lug on the jacket from below, and the carrier-ring swings around it in opening. The bore is the diameter of the ring across guide-sectors.

The exterior taper forms the surface of contact of carrier-ring with jacket.

The lugs (e) are the bearings for the hinge-pin. The carrier-ring, as its name indicates, carries the breech-block when the latter is withdrawn, and by means of it the block may be swung round out of the way for loading.

THE DE BANGE OBTURATOR.

Fig. 34.

The principal parts are: the spindle (a); the front cup (f); the rear cup (f′); the pad (g); the spring (j); the nut (h); the spline-screw (k).

The spindle has a mushroom-shaped head (b), and a stem, which extends through the breech-block and terminates in a screw-thread. The breech-block is recessed correspondingly. In guns with axial vents, the vent (c), 0.2 inch in diameter, passes through the axis of the spindle, and the copper bushing (d) is inserted by pressure at the front end.

The front and rear gas-check cups are of steel, and hold between them a plastic pad made of certain proportions of asbestos and tallow and covered with canvas (with disks of copper (m) on either side in the revised model,) and a diagonally-split ring (n) of steel is used to cut off the escape of gas.

A spiral spring (j) surrounds the stem of the obturator at the rear of the block, and bears against a shoulder on the block and a nut (h) on the screw-thread of the spindle. This spring, which acts to press the spindle back, keeps the cups and pad in place, takes up any set of the pad due to firing, and prevents the fracture of the screwed end of the stem.

The spline-screw (k) holds the nut on the spindle in position and prevents its unscrewing when the pad sticks in its seat after firing.

THE FREYRE OBTURATOR.

Fig. 35.

The principal parts are ([Fig. 35]): the spindle (a); the gas-check ring (f); the spring (e); the obturator-nut (d); the locking-nut (d′), or the spline-screw.

The Spindle has a head (g) at the forward end, its surface being plane and its sides conical, with the larger diameter of the cone in front. The vent (c), 0.2 inch in diameter, passes through the axis of the spindle, and the copper bushing (c) is inserted by pressure at the front end.

The Gas-check Ring (f) is nearly triangular in section, coming to a point at the front. It fits accurately on the conical surface of the head of the spindle, and is slightly longer in the direction of the axis of the bore than this head. Its rear surface rests against the front surface of the block, while the rear surface of the head is not in contact with this front surface, and can only be brought in contact with it by a heavy pressure, which will expand the gas-check ring.

The Spring (e) acts against a shoulder in the block and a corresponding shoulder on the obturator-spindle, and tends to press the spindle forward.

The Obturator-nut (d) prevents the action of the spring from forcing the spindle too far forward, and also regulates the tension of the spring.

The spline-screw acts as in the de Bange system. This screw is used in place of the locking-nut (d′) shown in figure.

THE LEVER-HANDLE.

(See [Fig. 37.])

This handle (h) acts as a lever to rotate the block, its head acting as a cam to withdraw the block and obturator when the latter sticks after firing, and to lock the block in the carrier-ring and prevent rotation during firing. It is supported in the lugs (l) of the breech-block by a pin (e) and rotates with the pin; to which it is secured by a screw entering vertically. The head of this pin has a projection (a) which strikes against the corresponding stop on the right lug and limits the motion of the lever-handle.

THE BRONZE-HANDLE.

(See [Fig. 37.])

This handle (g) is attached to the breech-block by two screws. Its purpose is to assist in withdrawing and pushing in the breech-block.

THE VENT-COVER.

Fig. 36.

For Axial Vent.—A radial slot (a, [Fig. 36]) is made in the rear part of the breech-block, in which slides a piece of metal (b) having a pin (c) projecting from its forward face next the gun. This pin fits into a groove (d) cut in the rear face of the carrier-ring, which is eccentric at its lower end, so that when the block is placed in firing position the slide is raised and the vent uncovered.

For Radial Vent.—This consists of a long arm, secured in position on top of the gun so that it can slide. The under side at its rear end has a slight projection, which engages over a shoulder on the lever-handle. When the lever-handle is raised a shoulder on it bears against the end of the arm, pushes it forward and covers the vent; when the block is in firing position and the lever-handle is lowered the shoulder bears against the projection and draws back the arm, thereby uncovering the vent.

ACTION OF THE BREECH MECHANISM.

Fig. 37.

Suppose the breech closed and the gun ready for firing. In this position the threads of the breech-block are engaged in the threads of the jacket (revised model) or base-ring (model '85); the gas-check is in its seat; the lower end of the latch is at the end of the transverse groove in the block; the nose of the latch is withdrawn from its recess in the jacket, and the carrier-ring is unlocked; the lever-handle is vertical, its cam in the recess in the carrier-ring, and its lower end in the recess in the jacket.

To Open the Breech.—Grasp the lever-handle (h, [Fig. 37]) with the left hand, thumb down, and raise it until it strikes the stop, then rotate the block as far as possible to the left; lower the lever-handle: its cam (d), acting against the surface (r) of the carrier-ring, will withdraw the gas-check if it sticks in its seat. This rotation of the block pushes the latch into its recess and locks the carrier-ring to the jacket. Grasp the bronze-handle (g) with the right hand, thumb to the right, and withdraw the block until it comes up against the stop. In this position the stem of the latch drops into the locking-recess, locking the block to the carrier-ring, and at the same time unlocking the carrier-ring from the jacket; swing the block and carrier-ring around to the left and insert the projectile and charge.

To Close the Breech.—Seize the bronze-handle with the right hand, thumb to the right, and swing the carrier-ring and block around until the carrier-ring is in its seat, grasping the lever-handle with the left hand, thumb down, at the same time, and raising the handle until it strikes the stop. The carrier-ring should be brought up to its seat sharply, but without slamming, and should be held firmly for an instant, otherwise the ring may start back slightly from the jar and the retracting-stud fail to hold the latch-pin high enough to allow the block to move forward.

When the carrier-ring strikes its seat the retracting-stud enters the hole in the front face of the ring, and, acting on the recess in the latch, lifts the latch to its travelling position, that is, lifts it out of the locking-recess and holds it in such a position that when the block is pushed forward, the lower end of the latch will strike the inclined surface at the front of the longitudinal groove.

Raise the lever-handle until it rests against the stop, and push the block forward until it stops. During this travel the lower end of the latch has moved up the inclined surface of the longitudinal groove and has locked the carrier-ring to the jacket.

Revolve the block one sixth of a turn until it strikes the stop; lower the lever-handle to its proper position, when everything will be in the condition first described, the vent will be uncovered, and the gun will be ready for firing.

When the block is revolved one sixth of a turn the lower end of the latch gradually drops into its groove, unlocking the carrier-ring, which remains so during firing.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISMOUNTING.

1. Raise the lever-handle and turn the breech-block to the left.

2. Take out hinge-pin screws and remove the hinge-pin.

3. Withdraw the breech-block with carrier-ring.

4. Take out the latch-cover screws and remove the latch-cover, latch-spring, and latch.

5. Take out the stop-screw and remove the stop.

6. Take off the carrier-ring.

De Bange Obturator.

7. Remove the spline-screw and take off the nut.

8. Take out the spindle.

9. Take out the spring.

10. Take off the obturator cups and pad.

Freyre Obturator.

7. Remove the spline-screw and take off the nut.

8. Take out the spindle.

9. Take out the spring.

10. Take off the gas-check ring and face-plate.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING.

De Bange Obturator.

1. Put the obturator cups and pad in place on spindle.

2. Put in the spring.

3. Put in the spindle.

4. Screw on the nut, and put in the spline-screw.

Freyre Obturator.

1. Put the gas-check ring and face-plate in place.

2. Put in the spring.

3. Put in the spindle.

4. Screw on the nut, and put in the spline-screw.

5. Put the carrier-ring on the breech-block.

6. Put in the stop and screw.

7. Put in the latch, the latch-spring; put on the latch-cover and screws.

8. Insert the breech-block with carrier-ring into the gun.

9. Put in the hinge-pin and screws.

10. Lock the block.

Experiments are now being made with the view of introducing metallic ammunition, and it is possible that a breech mechanism similar to the Driggs-Schroeder or the Gerdom will be adopted. A general description of each is therefore given, and also the proposed method of supplying ammunition.

The Driggs-Schroeder Breech Mechanism.

Fig. 37a.

The cuts show the positions of the block when locked, when unlocked, and when revolved to the rear.

The breech-block (b), weighing 31 lbs., has bands (c) on top and sides that fit in corresponding grooves in the jacket; these bands have an inclination of 2½ degrees to the front and upward to secure complete obturation and facilitate locking and unlocking.

There is a transverse hole (i) through the block for the main bolt (d); it is lengthened in a nearly vertical direction so that the first motion of the operating-handle causes, by the action of the main cam (e), the block to descend and disengage the bands from the grooves in the breech, after which the block rotates to the rear and rests on the tray. Guide-bolts (k), screwed through each side of the curtain, project into guide-grooves (l) cut in each side of the block and confine its movement.

The main cam, firing-pin and spring, and sear and sear-spring are contained in the block, the front face of which bears a heavy removable plate (a).

The firing-pin has under its rear part full-cock and half-cock studs; and the sear, actuated by its spring, presses up against it and engages the studs in succession as the firing-pin is forced to the rear by the action of the main cam against the lug on the under side of the firing-pin. The point of this lug always rests in the circular groove in the upper rear face of the main cam.

The extractors (j), one on either side, lie flat against the rear face of the tube of the gun and in recesses in the front face of the block. They revolve on pivots which work in recesses in the curtain. The rear sides of the tails of the extractors and the lower front corners of the breech-block form cam surfaces so arranged that when the block rotates to the rear the extractors extract and eject the cartridge-case.

The spring lock on the handle prevents the main bolt and block from moving, when the breech is closed, under stress other than that applied directly to the handle.

TO DISMOUNT.

1. Back out the guide-bolts far enough to clear the guide-grooves. 2. Half-cock. 3. Take off handle. 4. Tap the main bolt gently to start it and withdraw it completely, supporting the block with the hand. 5. Lower the block out of place, tilting it slightly to the rear so as to clear the extractors.

THE BREECH-BLOCK BEING OUT, TO TAKE THE MECHANISM APART.

1. Full-cock the firing-pin before removing the face-plate. 2. Remove face-plate. 3. Ease firing-pin forward and remove finger-catch. 4. Take out main cam, firing-pin, and spring. 5. Push sear-plug in a little, turn it until the stud is fair for coming out, and remove it and the sear and spring.

TO ASSEMBLE THE MECHANISM.

Proceed in the reverse order. Put in successively the firing-pin spring, the firing-pin, and the main cam. The front side of this cam is marked "out." The firing-pin must be full-cocked before putting on the face-plate and then let down to half-cock. An arrow on the head of the main bolt being brought in line with the arrow on the curtain indicates the proper "square" for the hexagonal bearing in the cam.

Gerdom Rapid-firing Breech Mechanism.

The breech-block has two threaded and two plain sectors (each 90 degrees) with corresponding sectors in the breech of the gun, so that the block is locked or unlocked by a quarter of a turn. The block contains a firing-pin which, with its spring, is inserted from the front end of the block, which is then closed by a threaded cap. The centre hole in this cap permits the striking end of the pin to come through to the front in certain positions of the block and to hit the primer. The rear end of the block is countersunk to receive the operating-lever, the locking-latch and its spring, the cocking-lever and its hinge-pin, the trunnioned collar, the notched cap, and the sear and its spring.

The extracting-device engages in front of the cartridge-head and grips it for more than one eighth of its circumference. Its motion is guided parallel to the axis of the piece by two cylindrical arms working in slots cut in the breech. Swinging the carrier-ring around its pivot causes the extracting-device first to act as a wedge to loosen the cartridge-case, and then by a rapid motion the case is thrown out of the gun, or far enough to the rear in the breech to be easily removed by hand.

The operation of the mechanism of the gun is as follows:

The operating-lever is seized with the left hand, and a handle on the right rear face of the carrier-ring with the right hand. The lever is pulled slightly more than 90° to the left.

The first motion of the lever unlocks the cocking-latch; the remainder of the motion rotates the block in the carrier-ring, disengaging the screw-threads. During this motion of rotation the cocking-lever has pulled back the firing-pin, which is held in position by an edge of the sear engaging under a notch on the screw-cap.

The carrier-ring is then swung to the left by the handle in the right hand.

The block moves to the left with the ring and passes partly through the slot out of the breech and uncovers the bore.

The first motion of the ring loosens the cartridge-case, as before described, and then ejects it. The new charge is then thrown in, no care being taken to seat it; the ring swung to, and the block rotated and locked.

As soon as the block is locked, pulling the sear fires the gun.

FIXED AMMUNITION.

Smokeless powder will be used, about 1¾ lbs. forming the charge.

The shell, cast iron, weighs 16 lbs. and also contains a bursting-charge of 8 oz. of powder.

The shrapnel will be similar to the Frankford Arsenal shrapnel now manufactured, but longer and heavier (16 lbs. 10 oz.), and will break into about 240 pieces (balls and fragments).

The metallic case, brass or aluminum, has the projectile inserted in it to the distance of 1.75 inches, the base of the projectile being separated from the powder-charge by a felt wad. The total length of a round is 18.33 inches.

Experiments with charges of Troisdorf powder from 1 lb. 8 oz. to 2 lbs. 1 oz. have given with the 3.2-inch gun velocities from 1765 to 2032 ft.-sec.

Supplying Ammunition.—It is proposed to have boxes that can be readily opened and closed containing a certain number of rounds, about ten for 3.2-inch gun, carried by the supply-train. When a battery requires ammunition, the boxes will be taken from the ammunition-wagon, opened and the chests filled. The empty metallic cases with the battery are then placed in the boxes, which are securely closed, loaded on the ammunition-wagon and returned to the depot by the officer in charge; and are from there returned by the ordnance officer to the Frankford Arsenal to be again filled and prepared for service. The cost of supplying ammunition by this method will be less than it is now.

CHAPTER II.

3.2-inch Guns. Sights. Ammunition. Fuzes. Range Table.

3.2-INCH B. L. RIFLE, MODEL 1885 (MODIFIED). ([Fig. 38.])

This gun consists of a tube (a), jacket (b), trunnion-ring (c), sleeve (d), key-ring (e), locking-ring (f), base-ring (g), and breech mechanism, De Bange obturator, vent-bushing of copper.

3.2-INCH B. L. RIFLE, MODEL '90. ([Fig. 39.])

This gun consists of tube (g), jacket (h), and breech mechanism, De Bange obturator, vent-bushing of copper.

The jacket, trunnion-ring, base-ring, and sleeve, of the model of 1885, form one piece, and the key-ring is omitted, as the tube and jacket are locked firmly together by shoulders (a, b, c) in rear and shoulders in front, with a projection on the tube that fits into a corresponding recess in the jacket.

d is the powder-chamber, f the slope from no lands to maximum lands, and e the connecting slope for seat of rotary band.

The vent-cover is a pin working in a slot in the face of the carrier-ring. (See [Fig. 36.])

SIGHTS.

Fig. 38.

Fig. 39.

Fig. 40.

The Front Sight ([Fig. 40]) is attached to the right rim-base, and consists of the base a, the standard b, and the cylinder c, all formed in one piece. The cylinder c is a bushing open at both ends, the interior being formed of two conical frustums c′ joined at their smaller bases and having at this junction cross-wires (+), d, of platinum, which give the exact centre of the sight. In the new sights the cross-wires of watch-spring are placed diagonally (X). The cross-wires are used with the peep of the breech-sight, and the point e on top is used with the open sight.

Fig. 41.

The Breech-sight ([Fig. 41]) consists of a tangent scale affixed to a circular base revolving in a plane normal to the axis of the piece to compensate for inclination of trunnions when on uneven ground. The scale moves laterally on its base to correct for wind and drift, and bears a spirit-level, f. Along the vertical limb, C, of the sight, which is slotted, moves an eye-piece, D, actuated by a screw, d. This eye-piece (bearing the peep-sight d′) extends on either side of the slot, the lower edge being horizontal and bevelled. The one on the right is graduated into ten equal parts. (The vertical limb being graduated into degrees (0 to 15°), and then sub-divided by diagonals into sixths, a diagonal scale of equal parts reading to minutes is obtained. The rear sights now being issued have range scales in yards for shell and shrapnel engraved upon the sight in addition to the degree scale. The scale of yards for shrapnel on the rear face of the sight, left side, is arranged with diagonal lines, to be read in the same manner as the degree scale. Each diagonal embraces 250 yards of range, and there are five divisions on the upper edge of the slide, by which this space is sub-divided, so that the intervals of 50 yards in range are read directly from the scale.

The scale of yards for shell, on the front face of the sight, is marked for each 100 yards of range, and is read from an index line on the slide.

The horizontal limb, or cross-bar, e, which is actuated by the screws e′e′, is graduated into spaces, each of which corresponds to a deviation equal to ¹/₃₄₅ of the range. (In future constructions this division will correspond to ¹/₁₀₀₀ of the range.) This variation is tabulated in the range table under the heading "Deflection for one division of the horizontal scale."

By means of a pivot, B, the sight proper is attached to the stem A, the axis of rotation being at the zero of the scale. The stem tapers so as to fit into the sight-socket fixed at the breech. A pin projecting from the stem, and fitting in a recess in the socket, insures the sight being properly placed on the gun.

The sight is first levelled and clamped by means of the clamp-screw a before sighting. Vertical and horizontal changes for elevation, drift, etc., are given by the thumb-screws d and e′e′.

THE POINTING ARC.

(Fig. 41a.)

This instrument, now under consideration for use with field-artillery, to replace wholly or in part the rear sight, is made principally of bronze, and comprises the arc a, the slide b, and the level-piece c.

The arc has two small seating plates, d d, secured to its base by countersunk screws.

The slide is connected to the arc by a dovetail-joint, and moves over it, the friction of a spring keeping the slide in any desired position. The tension of this spring is adjusted by the two screws on the side of the slide.

Fig. 41a.

The steel pin on the under surface of the slide moves in the groove on the upper surface of the arc, and, by abutting against the steel stop-pins e at each end of the groove, prevents the slide from being moved off the arc. The arc is graduated from 0 to 20 degrees, but readings to 2 minutes are obtained by means of the vernier, f, at the rear of the slide.

Plates, graduated in yards for shell or shrapnel, are on either side of the arc. They are removable, being graduated for the piece with which the arc is used.

The zero index-marks on the sides of the slide are supplemented by two others equidistant, plus 2 degrees and minus 2 degrees. Any one of the three may be used in setting the slide to a desired range in yards.

The top of the slide has a scale, graduated 3 degrees on either side of the zero, with sub-divisions of 6 minutes; the markings plus and minus are the reverse of those on the side of the slide. The vernier, g, on the level-piece permits of a least reading of 2 minutes being obtained. Motion is given the level-piece by the deflection-screw h.

To set the pointing arc, make the zero of the level-piece coincide with the zero of the slide-scale, and then take the required elevation in yards on the side desired. Should the piece and object fired at be on different levels, and the angle known, the index of the level is moved to indicate this angle—to the plus side if an elevation, and to the minus side if a depression; then take the elevation in yards as before.

The correction is made in this way for 3 degrees or less, but for angles above 3, up to 5 degrees, the 2-degree marks on the side of the slide must be used, the index mark of the level being moved to coincide with the mark corresponding to the number of degrees—elevation or depression—less 2 degrees. The plus 2-degree mark is used as an index when the object has an elevation, and the minus 2-degree mark when a depression.

To obtain the angle corresponding to difference of level, sight the piece on the object by the ordinary sight, using any elevation; set the pointing arc at this elevation, and move the level-piece by the deflecting-screw until the air-bubble is centred. The index of the level-piece then points to the desired angle—plus if an elevation, and minus if a depression.

If the wheels of the carriage be not on the same level the gun will shoot towards the lower wheel. A correction for this is made by a deflection-scale.

The correction for deflection due to inclination of trunnions, expressed in units of the deflection-scale, is, at any range, equal to the product of the angle of elevation and the angle of inclination of the trunnions, both expressed in degrees, into a constant multiplier. When the divisions of the deflection scale are ¹/₅₀₀ of the distance between the sights this multiplier is 0.1523; when the divisions are ¹/₁₀₀₀ it is 0.3046. The rear sight must be moved towards the higher wheel.

Ammunition for 3.2-inch Gun.

The ordinary friction-primer is used for radial vents; for axial vents an attachment is made to the friction-primer of a thin brass wire about 18 inches long, looped or coiled for convenience, and having one end fastened in the loop of the friction-wire, and the other around the head of the body of the friction-primer.

The cartridge-bag is used, but experiments are now being made with metallic cases. (This proposed metallic ammunition for 3.2-inch guns comprises a projectile weighing 16½ pounds, with a suitable charge of smokeless powder to give an initial velocity of 1450 ft.-sec.)

Shell, shrapnel, and canister are used.

Shell.—The base-percussion-fuze shell ([Fig. 42]) is made of cast iron in one piece, having a band of soft brass or copper forced into a recess on the outside, ⅝ of an inch from the base. The body and half of the head are painted black; the half of the head nearest the point is painted vermilion.

Canister.—The canister ([Fig. 43]) consists of a hollow cylinder of malleable iron, with one end closed by a cast head. The case is filled with from 222 to 226 balls, and a metal cover is inserted. Around the case are several slits, their ends overlapping to secure the thorough breaking up of the case on discharge.

Fig. 42.

Fig. 43.

There are several small holes in the head, through which a portion of the gas of the exploded powder-charge enters, drives forward the balls, and assists in disrupting the case.

Total weight of a round, 11 lbs. 10 oz.

This projectile is painted black.

Fig. 44.

Shrapnel.—The Frankford Arsenal shrapnel ([Fig. 44]) weighs 13¹⁰/₁₆ lbs. Exclusive of filling it consists of three parts, viz., head (d), body (a), and base (b). The head is made of cast iron, bored and threaded to receive the fuze, and contains a powder-chamber which is lacquered to prevent danger of premature ignition by friction. The body is made of lap-welded wrought-iron or low-steel tubing, and is weakened for fracture by circular and longitudinal grooves on the inside. It contains 162 hardened lead balls, ½ inch in diameter, which are assembled in circular layers and held in position by cast-iron separators, which increase the effect of explosion by furnishing additional fragments. The base is made of cast iron threaded to screw into the cylindrical case, and is so formed as to provide a support for the copper band to prevent deformation of the case at this point from shock of discharge, c is the rotating band. This projectile is painted, body black, head vermilion.

SHRAPNEL MADE BY AMERICAN PROJECTILE CO.

([Fig. 45.])

Fig. 45.

The entire case is of wrought steel electrically welded together so as to form a complete hardened wrought-steel case without joint. The powder-chamber is formed in the base by a hard wrought-steel diaphragm (d) supported by a cast-iron spider, and connected through the centre of the shell (axially) to the fuze-opening by a cast-iron tube. It is smooth-finished, and either tinned or lacquered. The shell contains 170 bullets (34 to the pound) packed in circular layers, and they are held firmly in position by a resin matrix. The bullets are introduced through a hole at c.

The exterior is painted as follows: body from the band forward, to include three fifths of head, black; remaining part of head, and part of body in rear of band, vermilion. The band is of copper.

The Frankford Arsenal combination fuze is used. This fuze weighs 17½ ounces; but if made of aluminum it will weigh only 7¾ oz. For field-artillery guns it is graduated from 1 to 15 seconds, the graduations being based upon the time of burning in flight. Each entire second is marked by a through-hole in the cone-cover, and each of these spaces is sub-divided into six equal spaces by holes nearly through the cover, which for the 3.2-inch gun will correspond to the following distances, viz.: 70 yards at 1000 yards range; 55 yards at 2000 yards range; 48 yards at 3000 yards range; 42 yards at 4000 yards range.

The following table gives the mean of five shots in each group:

The Frankford Arsenal Combination Fuze, 15 Seconds, Model 1894, for Shrapnel of Field-guns.

This is a time and percussion fuze ([Fig. 46]). It weighs 17½ oz. The time element is contained in the front part of the bronze body (a) of the fuze, and the percussion element in the rear part. The time-plunger (b) has five lugs (k) which hold the plunger in position above the firmly fixed steel firing-pin (c) after the safety-pin has been withdrawn; these lugs are broken by the shock of discharge. The safety-pin (j) passes through a hole in the upper part of the plunger, and it and the lugs are protected by the brass cap which is pierced to allow the insertion of the safety-pin.

Fig. 46.

By this arrangement the plunger and its lugs are entirely protected from any blow that may be received on the nose of the fuze. The priming composition is contained in the base of the plunger (at i), and is protected by a disk of tinfoil.

The compressed powder-ring (q) is held in a groove in the body of the fuze by a brass ring, and four holes (p) permit the flame from the composition (i) to ignite it.

The cone (d), made of an alloy, is held in place by a brass clamping-nut (h) and two brass pins (l). A lip (m) on the base of the cone fits into a corresponding groove in the fuze-body and prevents the premature ignition of the powder (o) in the fuze-chamber.

A groove in the cone contains the time-train (e), which communicates through a brass tube (n) with the powder in the fuze-chamber (o).

The brass cone-cover (f) is pierced with holes numbered from 1 to 15. The holes lie immediately over the time-train and correspond to seconds of graduation. The spaces between consecutive holes are sub-divided into six parts, and countersunk at the points of division so that the fuze may be cut to sixths of a second of burning.

A brass pin projects from the body of the fuze and fits into a slot in the cone-cover; it fixes the latter in position and, together with the brass cup on top, also serves to hold the cover in place.

The flame from the powder in the fuze-chamber communicates with the bursting-charge of the shell through the grooved surfaces of the primer, plunger-sleeve, and bottom closing-screw.

The opening into the fuze-chamber through which the charge is put is closed by the screw. A conical hole in the fuze-body immediately opposite this screw permits the insertion of a steel pin for the purpose of screwing the fuze into the shell.

The percussion element consists of a brass primer (t) having three vents through which the flame may pass from the composition to the powder in the fuze-chamber.

On the side towards the firing-pin the composition is covered first with a tinfoil cup and then with a copper restraining-disk, which is separated from it .04 of an inch both for safety and to prevent the firing-pin pressing against the composition during flight. On its opposite side the primer is covered with a tinfoil ring and a paper disk.

The bottom of the fuze is covered first by a paper and then by a tinfoil disk.

The primer, plunger-sleeve, and bottom closing-screw have their sides grooved longitudinally (r, r, r) to allow the flame from the powder in the fuze-chamber to pass to the bursting-charge of the projectile. With the exception of this difference in the plunger-sleeve the plunger is the same as the one in the Frankford Arsenal base percussion-fuze "C," model 1894.

TO USE THE TIME-FUZE.

Pierce the time-train cone at right angles to the axis and through the division in the cover corresponding to the desired number of seconds. Then remove the safety-pin before inserting the projectile in the bore of the piece.

A fuze-cutter is issued by the Ordnance Department for use with the fuze.

The Frankford Arsenal Base Percussion-fuze "C," Model 1894, for Field-gun Shell.

Fig. 47.

Fig. 48.

This fuze weighs 4.88 ounces and consists of a brass body (a) which contains the complete plunger. The head of the body is closed by a brass cap-screw (b) which contains a brass primer (d) that is filled with the composition (m); and the cap-screw is closed by a brass closing-screw (c). c and d have holes through them, as indicated, for the passage of the flame from the primer to the bursting-charge of the projectile. The head is covered by disks of paper and tinfoil.

The face of the composition (m) nearest the plunger is covered by a disk of tinfoil (e) and a copper restraining-disk (f).

The Plunger consists of a steel firing-pin (i), firmly fixed in a brass igniter plunger-spindle (h), and this spindle fits in a brass igniter plunger-sleeve (g) which has a groove (t′) on its lower interior surface. A split brass safety-ring (i), which holds the igniter plunger-sleeve in the safety position, is slipped over the lower end of the spindle, and then the spindle-sleeve, containing two grooves (s and t), is slipped on and firmly secured by spreading the lower end of the spindle.

The inclination of the groove (s) determines the resistance of the safety-ring, which, in this fuze, has the minimum and maximum limits of 142 and 160 lbs. respectively. (It was formerly 15 lbs.)

When the piece is discharged the plunger-sleeve overcomes the resistance of the safety-ring and carries it to the rear; the diameter of the ring is slightly increased during its passage along the spindle, and when in the proper position for so doing it fits partly in both grooves (t and t′), binding sleeve and spindle firmly together. The point of the firing-pin now projects beyond the plunger-sleeve and the fuze is armed. When the projectile strikes, the complete plunger is thrown forward, the point of the firing-pin pierces the restraining-disk and ignites the composition.

[Fig. 47] shows the position of the parts before the piece is discharged, and [Fig. 48] during the flight of the projectile.

RANGE TABLE FOR 3.2 INCH B. L. RIFLE.

• Shrapnel, 13.5 pounds
• Muzzle velocity, 1685 ft.-sec

RANGE TABLE FOR 3.2-INCH B. L. RIFLE.

• Shell, 13.5 pounds
• Jump: 20′ at 1°. 30′ at 10°
• Muzzle velocity, 1685 ft.-sec

CHAPTER III.

3.6-inch Rifle, etc. 3.6-inch Mortar, etc. Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Artillery.

3.6.-INCH B. L. RIFLE, MODEL 1891 (REVISED).

Fig. 49.

This gun is similar in construction to the 3.2-inch (revised November 11, 1892).

Nomenclature.—ab, locking-shoulder and recess; c, conical gas-check seat; d, cylindrical powder-chamber; e, connecting slope for seat of rotary band; f, slope from no lands to maximum lands.

SIGHTS.

Similar to those of 3.2-inch gun.

AMMUNITION AND FUZES.

The ammunition differs only in weight and dimensions from that described for the 3.2-inch gun. Fuzes are the same.

CARRIAGES, LIMBERS, CAISSONS, COMBINED BATTERY-WAGON AND FORGE, ARTILLERY-WAGON.

The carriage for this gun weighs 1300 pounds. The first 25 carriages were made with the double-screw elevating device, and the second 25 with the first form of lazy-tongs, and were intended for the 3.2-inch gun. They have been changed for 3.6-inch guns by cutting out the upper-front transom under the trunnion beds leaving only enough metal on each side to hold the eyebolts of the forked radial bar for the elevating device, and cap squares with eyebolts have been substituted for the old cap squares with chin and eyebolts. The double-screw elevating device on the 25 carriages now having them are retained; but all others will have a form of lazy-tongs, operated by bevel gears and a crank handle at the side, like that of the double screw; otherwise the carriage is similar to that of the 3.2-inch gun already described. The limber-chests will probably be fitted for 36 rounds of ammunition; which is the only difference between limbers, caissons, etc., used with 3.2-inch and 3.6-inch guns.

HARNESS, ETC.

See [page 150] et seq.

3.6-INCH B. L. RIFLE.

• Shrapnel, 20 lbs
• Muzzle velocity, 1550 ft.-sec
• c=1.03
• Log C=.17559

RANGE TABLE FOR 3.6-INCH B. L. R.

• Shell, 20 lbs
• Muzzle velocity, 1550 ft. sec
• c =.93
• Bursting-charge, 14½ oz
• Log C =.21996

3.6-INCH B L FIELD-MORTAR, MODEL 1890. (REVISED NOV. 11, 1892.)

Fig. 50.

It consists of a single piece of steel, the trunnions being forged solid with the piece.

Fig. 51.

The breech mechanism, [Fig. 51], is generally similar to that of the field-guns, except that the Freyre obturator is used, and in the locking arrangement the lever-handle is replaced by a bolt (a) which is turned by hand. This bolt operates the locking-stud on the left side of the block, and its handle bears also a vent-shield (f,) which keeps the vent closed until the breech is locked.

THE CARRIAGE FOR 3.6-INCH B. L. MORTAR.

Fig. 52.

This carriage, [Fig. 52], is of cast steel and in one piece, and consists of a frame complete with transoms and soles.

It is 39½ inches long and weighs 275 pounds. The axis of the trunnions is 14 inches above ground, and the piece can be fired at any angle between 0 and 60 degrees. At the centre of the front transom is bolted the elevating-clamp, which embraces an arc bolted to the under side of the mortar. The lever on the left side of the carriage turns a shaft, which causes the clamp to take hold of the arc when the elevation has been given.

A pintle-fork is attached at the front end of the carriage, and a ring on the side of either cheek to which the ends of the restraining rope are fastened.

Nomenclature of 3.6-inch Mortar-carriage.—Carriage-frame; elevating-arc; elevating-arc bolt; elevating-arc guide-pin; double hook; double-hook pin; double-hook bracket; double-hook bracket-pin; cap-square; cap-square keys; cap-square chain eye-pin; pintle-fork; pintle-fork bolt; elevating-arc jaws; shaft for jaws; lever for shaft; bushing for shaft; nut for shaft; screw for bushing; separator; separator-bolt and nut; screws for pointing.

PLATFORM FOR 3.6 MORTAR.

Yellow pine or oak. Weight complete, 200 lbs.

Fig. 53.

This equipment consists of one wooden platform, one cast-iron pintle-block, eight stakes, one anchor-stake, two handspikes, and one pointing-scale. The platform consists of two side-rails, 3-inch, into which are framed and bolted eleven deck-planks, the latter secured to each other by dowels. A 4 × 3-inch piece is bolted to the rear deck-plank by three bolts. Wrought-iron straps, bolted into cross-pieces, embrace the side-rails. The pintle-block is fastened to the front of the platform by four wrought-iron bolts. The pintle-fork on the carriage embraces the pintle, forming the centre of motion of the traversing carriage. The platform is held in position by stakes, two on either side; those in front passing through square wrought-iron rings attached to eye-pieces bolted to the front end of the platform. A brass socket, in which works the brass pivot at the end of the pointing-scale, is placed at a suitable point in the axis of the platform. The anchor-stake, 4 ft. long, is driven in front of the platform. Around the anchor-stake, and held in position by the two pins passing through the stake, is wound the middle portion of the restraining rope, the ends of which fasten to the rings in the cheeks of the carriage.

The rope is given five feet slack for recoil.

Fig. 54.

The Pointing-scale.—This is made of hard wood, graduated on one side, the unit of the scale being one thousandth of the range, and each division one five hundredth of the range. A brass index-slide moves with friction along the scale and is clamped by a screw when regulated. For reference-marks a brass screw is placed at the end of each cheek of the carriage, and the scale is so arranged that it can be applied to either cheek. The carriage admits of a motion around its pintle of about 15° on either side of the axis of the platform.

THE GUNNER'S QUADRANT.

Fig. 55.

Used in giving elevation. The arc is 45°, but by applying different sides an elevation of 90° can be given. The least reading is one minute, which is given by the setting of a sliding level on a slightly curved arm.

The setting to any given degree is made by moving the arm by hand, which is done by pressing back the head of the arm to release it from engagement with the notches on the interior of the arc, then moving the arm to the required position and allowing the spring to react.

AMMUNITION.

The full charge of powder is 16 ounces, sphero-hex. (U. F.). The projectiles are those used with the 3.6 gun and have already been described.

The charges, required to cover all ranges from 400 to 3350 yards with angles of elevation between 15 and 45 degrees, are four in number. These charges are made up of three cartridges containing 4, 6, 10, and 16 ounces respectively.

The Fuze for Shrapnel is the Frankford Arsenal point-combination fuze, model 1894, burning 28 seconds and weighing 19.75 ounces. The time-train of this fuze is arranged to be cut at intervals of ¹/₅ second.

The Fuze for Shell is fuze M, model 1894. It is identical in construction with fuze C (see page 102), except that a portion of the plunger-spindle is reduced in diameter to lessen the friction of the spring-ring in arming on account of reduced charges. It is distinguished from the C fuze by two grooves across the flat of the base. This fuze is designated for separate transportation, to be assembled with the projectile at or near the firing-ground, and is not to be transported fixed in the projectile.

RANGE TABLE FOR 3.6-INCH B. L. MORTAR.

• Common Shell (Cast Iron)
• Shell, filled and fuzed, 20 lbs
• Bursting-charge, 14.5 oz

RANGE TABLE FOR 3.6-INCH B. L. MORTAR.

• Shrapnel, filled and fuzed, 20 lbs
• Bursting-charge, 4 oz
• Number of balls, 218
• Weight of each ball, 171 grains

FOREIGN FIELD-ARTILLERY.

GERMANY.

There is practically only one gun, viz., the 3.46-inch. The horse-artillery gun, carriage, and limber, are all lighter than in the field-artillery. Model 1891 weighs 970 lbs. The weights behind the teams are: H. A. gun, 3996 lbs.; F. A. gun, 4276 lbs.; caisson, 5036 lbs. No cannoneers are carried on the carriages in horse-artillery. Muzzle velocity, 1400 ft.-sec.

The Common Shell weighs 15½ lbs. (bursting-charge, 6 oz.), and splinters into about 170 pieces. A proportion of the shells are filled with wet guncotton, having a dry guncotton primer, to be used, as a rule, against men under cover.

The Shrapnel contains 262 bullets with bursting-charge down the centre, weighs 17.7 lbs., and can be burst up to 3500 yards range. The number of rounds carried per gun in a battery is 135. The percussion-shell has been abandoned, and shrapnel, high explosive shell, and canister only are used. The fuze is a combination time, and percussion-fuze.

There are 20 carriages in a battery—6 guns, 9 caissons, 4 store-wagons, 1 forge-wagon. A battery carries 9 shovels and 2 pickaxes.

FRANCE.

The Horse-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.14 in.; weight, 8.4 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1600 ft.-sec.; shrapnel with 2-oz. bursting-charge in head, 13.8 lbs. Weights behind the teams, including men carried: gun, 4251 lbs.; caisson, 4424 lbs.

The ammunition per gun with battery is 142 rounds.

The Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.54 in.; weight, 8.4 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1500 ft.-sec.; shrapnel with bursting-charge in head, 19 lbs. Weights behind teams, including the men carried: gun, 5248 lbs.; caisson, 5404 lbs.

There are 142 rounds of ammunition per gun with battery.

A steel shell filled with 3 lbs. of cresylite is contemplated, of which about 75 will be carried with the battery.

There are 6 guns, 9 caissons, 1 store, 1 forge, and 1 forge-wagon in a battery.

The field-artillery gun now being introduced has a calibre of 2.95 inches, and fires a projectile weighing in the vicinity of 12 pounds.

AUSTRIA.

The Horse-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.14 in.; weight, 5.9 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1365 ft.-sec.; ring-shell, 9½ lbs.; shrapnel, 10.27 lbs. Weights behind the teams: gun, 3440 lbs.; caisson, 4287 lbs.

No detachments are carried on the carriages.

Ammunition carried per gun with battery: ring-shell, 84; shrapnel, 54; canister, 8; incendiary shell, 6; a total of 152 rounds.

There are 18 carriages in a battery, 6 guns.

The Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.54 in.; weight, 9.5 cwt., muzzle velocity, 1440 ft.-sec.; ring-shell, 14.1 lbs.; shrapnel, 15.6 lbs. Weights behind the teams: gun, 5040 lbs.; caisson, 4124 lbs.

Ammunition per gun with battery: ring-shell, 70; shrapnel, 45; canister, 8; incendiary shell, 5; total, 128.

There are 22 carriages in a battery, 8 guns.

RUSSIA.

The Horse-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.4 in.; weight, 7 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1350 ft.-sec.; common shell, 14 lbs.; shrapnel with bursting-charge in base, 15 lbs. Weights behind the teams: gun, 3635 lbs.; caisson, 3543 lbs. No cannoneers on carriages.

Ammunition per gun with battery: common shell, 61; shrapnel, 60; canister, 9; total, 130 rounds.

The Light Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.4 in.; weight, 8.6 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1450 ft.-sec.; common shell, 14 lbs.; shrapnel with bursting-charge in base, 15 lbs. Weights behind the teams same as in horse-artillery.

Ammunition per gun with battery, 150 rounds.

The Heavy Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 4.2 in.; weight, 12 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1223 ft.-sec.; common shell, 25.9 lbs.; shrapnel, 27.5 lbs. Weights behind the teams, including detachments: gun, 4268 lbs.; caisson, 4686.

Ammunition per gun with battery, 108 rounds.

Horse-batteries consist of 6 guns, field-batteries generally of 8 guns, 24 carriages to each battery of 6 guns. Russia has 5 regiments, 4 batteries each, of field-mortar batteries. Calibre of piece, 6 in.; weight of shell, 60 lbs. Each battery consists of 6 mortars, 18 carriages, and 6 carts.

ITALY.

Horse-and Light Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 2.75 in.; weight, 5.8 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1400 ft.-sec.; common shell, 9.4 lbs.; shrapnel with bursting-charge in base, 9.8 lbs. Weights behind the teams: gun, 3498 lbs.; caisson, 3650 lbs. No detachments are carried.

Ammunition per gun with battery: common shell, 24; shrapnel, 112; canister, 6; total, 142 rounds.

Heavy Field-artillery Gun.—Calibre, 3.5 in.; weight, 9.2 cwt.; muzzle velocity, 1480 ft.-sec.; common shell, 14.7 lbs.; shrapnel, 15.3 lbs. Weights behind the teams, including detachments carried: gun, 4268 lbs.; caisson, 4686 lbs.