(i) In preparing arms for storage or shipment they should be cleaned with particular care, using the metal-fouling solution as described above. Care should be taken, insured by careful inspection on succeeding day or days, that the cleaning is properly done and all traces of ammonia solution removed. The bore is then ready to be coated with cosmic. At ordinary temperatures cosmic is not fluid. In order, therefore, to insure that every part of the surface is coated with a film of oil the cosmic should be warmed. Apply the cosmic first with a brush; then, with the breech plugged, fill the barrel to the muzzle, pour out the surplus, remove the breechblock, and allow to drain. It is believed that more rifles are ruined by improper preparation for storage than from any other cause. If the bore is not clean when oiled--that is, if powder fouling is present or rust has started--a half inch of cosmic on the outside will not stop its action, and the barrel will be ruined. Remember that the surface must be perfectly cleaned before the heavy oil is applied. If the instructions as given above are carefully followed, arms may be stored for years without harm. (j) Preparation of solutions: _Soda_solution_--This should be a saturated solution or sal soda (bicarbonate of soda). A strength of at least 20 per cent is necessary. The spoon referred to in the following directions is the model 1910 spoon issued in the mess outfit. Sal soda, one-fourth pound, or four (4) heaping spoonfuls. Water, 1 pint or cup, model of 1910, to upper rivets. The sal soda will dissolve more readily in hot water. _Swabbing_solution_.--Ammonium persulphate, 60 grains, one-half spoonful smoothed off. Ammonia, 28 per cent, 6 ounces, or three-eighths of a pint, or 12 spoonfuls. Water, 4 ounces, or one-fourth pint, or 8 spoonfuls. Dissolve the ammonium persulphate in the water and add the ammonia. Keep in tightly corked bottle; pour out only what is necessary at the time, and keep the bottle corked. _Standard_metal_fouling_solution_.--Ammonium persulphate, 1 ounce, or 2 medium heaping spoonfuls. Ammonium carbonate, 200 grains, or 1 heaping spoonful. Ammonia, 28 per cent, 6 ounces, or three-eighths pint, or 12 spoonfuls. Water, 4 ounces, or one-fourth pint, or 8 spoonfuls. Powder the persulphate and carbonate together, dissolve in the water and add the ammonia; mix thoroughly and allow to stand for one hour before using. It should be kept in a strong bottle, tightly corked. The solution should not be used more than twice, and used solution should not be mixed with unused solution, but should be bottled separately, The solution, when mixed, should be used within 30 days! Care should be exercised in mixing and using this solution to prevent injury to the rifle. An experienced noncommissioned officer should mix the solution and superintend its use.