The loading-plate is a plate which attaches to the breech of the gun when the breech-block is open; along the bottom of this plate is a groove which forms a prolongation of the bottom groove of the gun (not applicable to model 1870); the projectile being hoisted to the level of the bore is landed on this plate, and is then in position to be rammed home. For small projectiles this plate serves as a shell-bearer for transporting projectiles, being provided with side handles. The shell is brought to the loading-plate on covered decks by means of a tackle appended to a roller working on a traveller. The projectile being hoisted from the deck is pushed along on the traveller to the plate. In turrets the projectile is hoisted and swung by means of a davit. The passing-box for the cartridge is made of leather with an ordinary close leather cover. The rammer and sponge are of the old-fashioned type. In calibres of a nature above 16-cm. a leather guard is always used in loading, to cover the gas-check and prevent injury from shocks in loading. A system of guards against firing the gun before the breech-block is entirely closed is attached to the breech or the breech-block. In guns of the model 1864 the guard consists of a small hollow cylinder with funnel-shaped ends, acting as a sort of fairleader for the firing laniard. On the laniard itself are worked three turk’s-heads which, when the laniard is rove through the fairleader and hooked to the primer, come forward of the forward edge. A small spring is attached to the closing-stop of the handle, which projects into the funnel and will not permit the laniard to pass. When the breech is closed, the crank pressing against the closing-stop pushes back the spring and allows a free passage to the laniard. In guns of the model 1870 the guard consists of a small disc which slides over the vent when the breech-block is opened, and remains there so that a primer cannot be inserted until the block is closed _and locked_. GERMAN ORDNANCE.