The crupper should not be tighter than is necessary to keep the saddle from shifting forward. The dock of the crupper must at all times be kept soft, smooth, and pliable. Breast-straps and crupper should be removed when the animal is fed and watered. The leading-bit is to touch the corners of the mouth, but should be low enough not to wrinkle them; leading rein buckled to near side of the bit. MARCHES. In warm climates march early to avoid the heat. Mules travel well at night. Men and animals should have food before marching. Officers and non-commissioned officers superintend loading; at which all should be expert. When the battery is loaded and formed, always inspect carefully to see that the work has been properly done. A habit of prompt loading is most important. One hour should be ample time between reveille and starting on the road. In moving off, drivers must move promptly, and use the leading-rein with a very light hand. Mules move best with loose reins. If avoidable, do not carry sick men on bareback or blanketed mules, as the animals get galled. The distance between mules on good roads is one yard. In passing obstacles or difficult ground, distances must be increased as needed. Every mule should have his head. Cannoneers should help to steady the loads. Occasionally it may be advisable to unload in passing obstacles. Cannoneers should keep near their respective mules and not straggle; and must assist the drivers in watching and adjusting loads. The driver must constantly watch his mule and load, and at once call attention to signs of uneasiness or anything requiring adjustment, if he cannot adjust it himself. When a load becomes disarranged the mule must be fallen out and the load put to rights; the driver regains his place at the first opportunity. Distances must be regained gradually, not by rushing: at an amble if absolutely necessary. The pace should be regular and constant, smart, not hurried, about four miles an hour unless with other troops; in no case so fast as to cause trotting in rear. Forcing the pace or dragging it, many halts and checks without unloading or giving time for feeding and watering, are ruinous. When a laden mule falls, keep his head down; cast off the straps and remove the load; unsaddle if necessary. Always form battery advanced and rear guards of properly armed men. It is sometimes convenient to have pioneer-tools with the advanced guard. The sick transport marches with the rear-guard, whose special duty it is to keep every fraction of the battery ahead of it. March on as broad a front as possible; but frequent changes are harassing. When feasible, considerable distance between platoons makes marching easier.