MORTAR (continued)

The howitzer, fig. 18. is a sort ot mortar, which is to be fixed horizontally like a cannon; and has, like the cannon, a wheel-carriage. These pieces, however, are very rarely used in the sea-service.

For an account of the elevation of the mortar, and flight of shells accord ing to the different charges of powder, the reader is referred to the article RANGE.

Two careful men of the artillery are to be left on board each tender, for the filling and fixing of the shells.

Application must be made to the admiral for two men of war's boats to attend on each bomb-ketch and tender, for carrying shells and stores. One of these is to be loaded with fixed shells, which, when sent to the bomb-vessel, must remain with her until they are all taken out, which should be only as they are wanted for loading the mortars; it is then to return to the tender, The other boat, mean while, will be receiving more fixed shells, and on the fignal given from the bomb-ketch for more shell, must immediately repair to her with them

A gang of warrant-officers, and eight seamen, are to be at each mortar, to give whatever assistance may be required.

A gang from the navy, with a careful warrant-officer, and a non-commissioned officer of the artillery, are to have the charge between decks on board each bomb-vessel and tender, to get up the fixed shells that are in the rack; and a careful person is to remain constantly at the powder-room door, which must be kept shut as much as possible.

When any powder is wanted from the tender for loading the mortar, it should be measured out in the tender, and the proper charge put into paper cartridges, upon which should be written the quantity, and the mortar for which it is allotted.

Jf the service of mortars should render it necessary to use pound-shots, 200 of them, with a wooden bottom; are to he put into the 13 inch mortar, and a quantity of powder, not exceeding five pounds; and 100 of the above shot, with 21/2lb. of powder, for the 10 inch mortar, or 3 lb. at most.

One inch of fuse burns 4 seconds and 48 parts.

Weight of the sea-mortars and shells, as also of their full charges.

Reference Works