The turning of the crank winds the chain attached to the spiral spring round the fusee, thus extending the spring. As the lock goes backwards the carrier is pressed down by its spring, and when in its lowest position the new cartridge is opposite the barrel and the empty case opposite the ejecting-tube. The action of the spiral spring now brings back the barrel and its extension to their normal position; it also unwinds the chain from the fusee, thus turning the crank to its normal position, which throws the lock forward; as the lock moves forward it pushes the new cartridge into the barrel and the empty case into the ejecting-tube, _Q_. During the last one sixteenth of an inch of the forward travel of the lock the carrier is raised by the carrier-levers, which are actuated by the lugs on the fore end of the connecting-rod, and when it arrives at its highest position it is held by a spring. CARRYING AMMUNITION. Belts, each holding 350 rounds, are carried in boxes for which there are receptacles on the different carriages. From four to six belts may be carried with each gun. In preparing the belts the cartridges are pushed in until about ⅛ inch of the brass case of the cartridge comes through the belt, or until the ends of the bullets come in line with the ends of the projecting brass strips. TO LOAD AND FIRE. Pass the end of the belt through the feed-box from right to left, seize it as it comes through with the left hand, and turn the crank-handle forward with the right hand as far as the spring-buffer; hold it in that position until the belt has been pulled through as far as it will go, and then let the crank-handle return to the firing position of its own accord. Repeat the operation just described. Now press the double button and firing commences. To unload, it is only necessary to move the crank-handle forward twice and then press the spring underneath the feed-box, which will cause the pawls to disengage from the belt, and draw out the belt from left to right. CARE OF GUN. Before using the gun fill the water-jacket through the hole near its end. It holds about 2½ quarts. A water-bag, holding two gallons, is usually carried on the lower ammunition-box under the axle of the gun-carriage. Oil thoroughly the packing in the stuffing-boxes and see that the barrel goes close home forward. When the firing is completed, clean the working parts and oil slightly, and draw off water from the water-jacket. Two locks are provided with each gun. CARRIAGES. A tripod weighing 47 lbs. for mountain service. This is sometimes fitted with an axle and two light wheels, and is provided with a light limber, the long leg of the tripod forming the trail. A cavalry-carriage weighing complete 1115 lbs. An infantry-carriage weighing complete 641 lbs. INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISMOUNTING.