PLATE 12.--Fig. 1.--The Use of Rockets in Fire Ships. Fig. 2, 3, and 4.--The Equipment of a Rocket Ship, with Scuttles for throwing Rockets from her Broadside. PLATE 13.--The different Natures of Rocket Ammunition, and the Implements used for fixing the Sticks. CONCLUSION--containing Calculations, proving the great comparative Economy of the Rocket System in all its Branches. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS for the Use of ROCKETS, both in the FIELD and in BOMBARDMENT, shewing the Spirit of the System, and its comparative Powers and Facilities. It must be laid down as a maxim, that “the very essence and spirit of the Rocket System is the facility of firing a great number of rounds in a short time, or even instantaneously, with small means,” arising from this circumstance, that the Rocket is a species of fixed ammunition which does not require ordnance to project it; and which, where apparatus is required, admits of that apparatus being of the most simple and portable kind. An officer, therefore, having the use of this weapon under his direction, must ever bear this maxim in mind--and his first consideration must be--to make his discharges against the enemy in as powerful vollies as he possibly can. Thus--if the defence of a post be entrusted to him, and the ground be at all favourable, he will, independent of the regular apparatus he may have at his disposal, prepare what may be called Rocket Batteries, consisting of as many embrasures as his ground will admit; these embrasures being formed by turning up the sod, so as to give channels of direction four or five feet long, and three feet apart: by which a great number of Rockets in a volley may evidently be arranged to defend any assailable point. In these embrasures, if liable to surprise, the Rockets may be placed in readiness the vents _not_ uncovered; though generally speaking, this is not necessary, as so short a time is required to place them--here and there one, only being in its embrasure.