(x) Rifle bolts and machine-gun crank handles to be worked backwards and forwards while gas is about, to prevent the gas from impairing the action. (xi) Vermorel sprayers to be used in trenches and dugouts in the affected area as soon as the gas has passed over, in order that gas helmets may be taken off. (xii) Measures will be taken to prevent stragglers. =6. FIXING OF BAYONETS.=--Bayonets will always be fixed during the hours of darkness, during a snowstorm, or thick mist, or when the proximity of the enemy renders this course advisable. =7. COUNTER ATTACKS.=--As soon as possible after taking over a new line battalion commanders will draw up and submit to brigade headquarters their scheme for counter attacking the enemy should he gain possession of any part of their line. In framing this scheme it must be borne in mind that in every line of trenches there are certain points which would be of value to the enemy if captured by him, whereas there are others which would be of little use to him. Should the enemy attack and occupy any portion of our trenches he will be immediately counter attacked and driven out by the nearest body of troops. All ranks must clearly understand that counter attacks made at once and without hesitation will usually be sucessful, even if made by small numbers, but that a counter attack, once the enemy has been given time to establish himself, is a very difficult and costly operation. =8. MINES.=--Should the enemy fire a mine in or near our trenches the crater thus formed will be immediately occupied by the nearest troops. This order will be made known to all ranks. =9. FIRING BY DAY AND NIGHT.=--By day men will only fire when a target offers itself. If the enemy is in the habit of showing himself at any particular point, the attention of the platoon commander should be drawn to it. The latter will inform the battalion sniping officer, who will tell off a sniper's post to watch the spot. By night all firing must be organized. If the enemy is believed to be working on his trenches or wire, the company commander will give directions to his platoon commanders to fire five rounds rapid at certain stated times. He will first ascertain that no patrols from neighboring companies will be out at these hours. A certain number of fixed rifles will be placed in every trench and fired by the sentries. These rifles will be laid on certain selected spots. Indiscriminate firing by day or night is forbidden. If the enemy attacks, rapid fire will be opened without waiting for orders. =10. COMPANY MEETINGS.=--Officers commanding companies will hold meetings of their platoon commanders and N. C. Os. each evening in the trenches. Only a few officers and N. C. Os. should be present at each meeting. At these meetings the following points should be discussed: Work required to place our trenches in a better state of defense and to improve the comfort of the men. Work to be done during the next 24 hours.