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MINUTES OF PllOCEEDINGS OF 
layers of india-rubber and iron. The boxes underneath are almost sacrificed, 
nothing being carried in them but a few small stores. The back rests 
against a frame of wire net-work, supported by iron stays fastened to the 
trail in rear, and there are fixed stirrups for the feet. They are consequently 
used for carrying men at all times, as much as the gun limbers. 
Having brought this subject forward, it may be advantageous to consider 
one or two points connected with it. 
The Special Committee in their report referred to the system of carrying 
men on the off-horses, in addition to two on the axle-tree seats. 
On this point there is much difference of opinion; but it appears indis¬ 
pensable to adopt the plan to some extent, in conjunction with other available 
means, for conveying detachments of the required strength. By doing this 
they might be made to consist of seven gunners besides the No. 1, and 
distributed in the following manner :—- 
Nos. 2, 3, and 6 would be mounted on the gun limber. This third 
number, wdien seated, facing the usual way, throws much additional weight 
on the shaft-horse. If, however, he sits reversed, and facing the gun, the 
shafts are very little heavier than v r hen two men only are on the limber. It 
seems practicable to arrange a seat for that method, by putting additional 
rails on the ammunition boxes, and a rest for the feet on the trail of the gun. 
Nos. 4 and 5 would be carried on the axle-tree seats. 
No. 7 would be mounted on the marker's horse, which is allowed to each 
subdivision on service. The horses of this number and the No. 1 might be 
held by a spare driver, riding the off-centre horse of the gun team, and dis¬ 
mounting when in action. 
No. 8 might be mounted on the off-horse of the spare pair that would 
accompany each gun when available. The occasions on which it w r ould be 
necessary to hook in eight horses are very exceptional; and it is generally 
considered best to keep the fourth pair as spare horses. 
It is evident if a certain number of the gun detachments of a field battery 
can thus be conveyed with the gun alone, and moved rapidly when required, 
it wall be necessary to accustom the men and horses to move accordingly. 
It appears to be a tradition in our service, though unknown in any other, 
that field batteries should not be moved faster than at a walk, except at 
regimental drills; and that when the ammunition wagons are sent away from 
the battery, the detachments must keep up on foot, as well as they are able, 
should the guns be ordered to the front at an increased pace. 
It is scarcely credible that a well-known instance, on service, of the serious 
results attending such a system should have happened sixteen years ago, and 
no effort yet made, either by our own or other officers in authority (with 
the exception of the Special Committee here referred to), to put the field 
batteries on a better footing. 
One result, therefore, of carrying a sufficient number of men with the guns, 
unaccompanied by ammunition wagons, will be to acknowledge the necessity 
of their being moved rapidly when required, and manoeuvred accordingly. 
Much difference of opinion exists as to the degree of rapidity at which 
field artillery should manoeuvre. Foreign writers of authority consider all 
descriptions of that arm should be organised so as to be able to move 
rapidly when required. 
In the “ Beglcment sur les Manoeuvres et les Evolutions des Batteries 
