186 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



The amount of baggage, forage, and rations to be taken depends 

 upon circumstances, and should be definitely prescribed in the order 

 directing the movement. Ordinarily rations and forage sufficient for 

 three days after the completion of the journey is ample. More than 

 this is generally unnecessary and causes delay and congestion in en- 

 training and detraining. 



Horse Artillery organizations require the same number of cars as 

 corresponding organizations of Light Artillery, with the exception of 

 stock cars for the animals of the batteries. A horse battery on a peace 

 footing requires 9, on a war footing 14 stock cars. 



When Battery Train must be divided into two sections, the first sec- 

 tion contains the forage car, all the stock cars and one sleeping car and 

 the second section all the remaining cars. The first section should be 

 under the command of one of the Lieutenants and he should have with 

 him the Stable Sergeant, the horseshoer, one of the mechanics and a 

 number of other men that can be accommodated. 



INSPECTION 



Each Train Commander should detail an officer to accompany the 

 Quartermaster during the inspection of the cars made after the train 

 is turned over to the troops for loading. The stock cars must be in- 

 spected to see that the}^ are in good condition throughout, examine the 

 cars to see that there are no broken boards, loose boards, rotten floor- 

 ing, loose fixtures, protruding nails, loose sides, splinters on the inside, 

 and see that the floors and stalls are clean. Before accepting cars in 

 time of peace, commanding officers should see that these conditions 

 are fulfilled. 



In time of war when cars are found unsuitable it is often necessary 

 to make such repairs as possible and proceed with the loading. A 

 report should be forwarded setting forth the condition of the car. 



The cars should be cleaned and floors covered with sand or sawdust, 

 hay and straw should never be allowed in the cars on account of fire. 



Before loading an officer detailed to load the horses accompanied by 

 the Stable Sergeant and one or more of the mechanics, makes a detailed 

 inspection of the stock cars examining the cars for all things mentioned 

 above, being careful to note whether any of these defects are on breast 

 bars or doorways themselves. The necessary repairs are tnade and 

 breast bars are put in place and doors firmly fastened. 



PREPARATION FOR LOADING 



So far as practicable all forage and animals should be at the loading 

 place before the train arrives. The animals should arrive in time so 

 that the horses may be unharnessed and the harness placed convenient 

 to the loading places. As soon as the battery has been unhitched the 

 teams should be taken to the vicinity of the place where they are to be 

 loaded and there imhitched. Each two })air should be held by one can- 

 noneer detailed by the chief of section and the remaining cannoneers 



