=To assemble the double counter-recoil springs.=—With the cradle at maximum elevation and the trail horizontal, place one outer and one inner spring in the cradle until the front ends are about 2 inches in; set up a separator against the forward end of these sections and enter the second outer and inner springs, keeping the separator upheld between the sections; similarly when the outer end of the second section is 2 inches inside the cradle set up the second separator; place the third outer and inner sections on the recoil cylinder. Screw the spring centering tool onto the cylinder-end stud, the small end pointing rearward; pass the sleeve end of the spring compressor through the gun lug and the inner springs and attach it to the cylinder-end stud. Enter the rear end of the cylinder in the spring at the front end of the cradle and push the cylinder back until the springs are at free height, keeping the spring compressor taut. Attach the block and fall carried in the battery wagon to the spade of the carriage or to some improvised support and connect it to the spring compressor; put sufficient strain on the spring compressor to bring the spring column to its assembled height. As the spring column approaches its assembled height the spring support must be turned so that its guide lugs properly enter in the spring-support guide grooves in the cradle; assemble the retaining ring, disconnect the spring compressor and the spring centering tool from the cylinder-end stud; push the gun back into battery and assemble the cylinder-end stud nut. When the retaining ring is assembled the nuts for the retaining ring bolts should be screwed up until they just come into contact with the retaining ring. If these nuts are screwed up too tight they will deform the retaining ring, with the result that it becomes difficult to assemble and dismount the cradle head. A wrench is provided for turning the spring support to its proper position. =To assemble the single counter recoil spring.=—The same method is followed except that no separators are used. The spring compressor is provided with a second eye at its large end which may be used in case the sleeve end should become broken; in case this end is used, however, it will be necessary to pass the compressor through the cradle from front to rear, through the gun lug. For disconnecting the compressor the method used is identical to that previously described. _The cylinder-end stud nut should never be removed when the gun is at an elevation_, and the gun should not be elevated when the cylinder-end stud nut is not in place. To prevent the cylinder-end stud from rotating a screw for the cylinder end is provided. _This screw for the cylinder end must be removed before attempting to unscrew the cylinder-end stud._