LOADING PUNT-GUNS. 417 



whether they remain or fly, the gun must be loaded 

 whatever happens. It is only a question of some 

 four or five minutes at most, and even a much longer 

 delay would not usually matter. After firing, at 

 once slip the waterproof cover over the stock of the 

 big gun ; this will keep it dry and clean from salt 

 spray and rust, or other risk of damage.* To load 

 a M. L., if at sea or in open water, and where 

 you cannot step ashore, take a few turns with the 

 elevating rope so as to run the barrel up clear of 

 the coaming ; then disengage the loops from the 

 trunnions (if these are made fairly open this is 

 done instantly), and swing the gun round till the 

 muzzle points aft. Now place a paddle or stretcher 

 under the barrel athwart-ship to steady it, and across 

 the coaming, when all is ready. After a rub out 

 with a handful of oakum (two, if there is time), fill 

 the loading-spoon, or take a powder-charge from the 

 ammunition-box, put it down and leave the powder 

 in the breech, f then reverse the rod and ram home 

 wad and shot cartridge ; a brass nail in the load- 

 ing-rod showing when level with muzzle that the 

 charge is properly home. Wheel the gun back 



* The cover can be made of duck or thin leather. It should pull 

 right over the stock and a few inches beyond the ignition, after the 

 fashion of a stocking. At its open end let it be cut underneath a few 

 inches and fitted with a strap to draw all tight. At the stock end affix 

 a loop or button to pull it off by. 



f To do this use a ramrod with its upper surface (when the spoon is 

 filled) planed flat ; this will be a guide to keep you from spilling in the 

 barrel. Have a notch cut on the rod to show you when the charge is 

 within two feet of the breech, withdraw it slightly and then jerk it 

 forward, and with a little practice you will shoot every grain of the 

 powder home to its place in the breech. The oakum wad will push 

 it up as it should be. This can be perfectly done without raising the 

 barrel from a horizontal position as easily by night as by day. 



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