When infantry are formed in squares to resist the charge of cavalry, the guns should be placed outside at the angles of the squares, the limbers, horses, &c., inside. Should the detachments be driven from their guns, they will retire into the square, after discharging their pieces, and taking with them the sponges and other equipments; the moment the enemy has retired, they recommence their fire. Supposing the infantry formed in echelon of regimental squares, and that the time, or small extent of the squares would not admit of the limbers, &c., being placed inside, then the wagons and limbers should be brought up with their broadsides to the front, so as to occupy, if possible, the space between the guns, leaving no intervals for the cavalry to cut through: the prolonge or drag ropes might also offer an effectual momentary impediment to them, if properly stretched and secured. [Sidenote: 51]] PART II. SECTION I. POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 1. What is meant by the term _pointing_ a piece? To point a piece, is to give it such a direction and elevation, or depression, that the shot may strike the object; and the rule (except in case of mortars) is: First give the _direction_ and then the _elevation_, or depression. 2. When a shot is fired from a piece, by how many forces is it acted on? By three.—1st. The impulsive force of the powder, which urges it forward. 2d. The resistance of the air, which tends to stop it. 3d. The force of gravity which causes it to descend. 3. Why is it necessary to give a certain degree of elevation to a piece? Because a shot describes under the action of the above forces a curve called a trajectory, which is situated below the prolongation of the axis of the piece, the extent of its departure from _this line_ increasing with the time of flight. Therefore, the more distant the object, the greater must be the elevation to enable the shot to reach it. 4. How is the direction given to a gun or howitzer? By directing the line of metal upon the object. [Sidenote: 52]] 5. How is the elevation or depression given? The elevation or depression, which depends upon the charge, the distance, and the position of the object above or below the battery, must be ascertained from tables or by experiment, and the proper degree given by means of instruments. 6. When will the object be struck by merely directing the line of metal upon it? But in one case,—when it is at point-blank distance. 7. How must the line of metal be directed for all ranges less than the point-blank range, in order to strike it? So as to pass below the object. 8. Give a simple rule for firing at objects within point-blank.