Sponge Cover to Station Bill

Sheepskin tacked over the head of a sponge.

A wooden staff to which the sponge is attached. This staff may be in one piece or in sections like a fishing-rod.

The wooden head on the end of the sponge staff.

(See Sponge Handle.)

A projection from the ship's side in which guns are mounted to enable them to fire fore and aft.

An extension of the gun deck on which the guns are mounted in the sponsons.

A hawser led from the stern of the vessel to the cable by which the ship is riding. It is employed to bring the broadside of the vessel to bear on the enemy when desired.

A pronged tool of steel utilized for searching for orifices or cracks in the bore of a gun.

An instrument used for spiking a gun. It differs from the ordinary spike inasmuch as it is provided with a spring at its lower end to prevent its withdrawal.

(See Marine Rams.)

A number of vessels of war detached from the main fleet. A squadron is larger than a division, and smaller than a fleet.

Flying Squadron. A number of vessels of war cruising rapidly from place to place.

White Squadron. A name applied to the collection of modern U. S. men-o'-war first sent afloat, owing to their color.

Officers of the medical, pay, and engineering corps, constructors, chaplains, civil engineers, secretaries, professors of mathematics, carpenters, and sail-makers.

A support for small arms.

The complete charge and projectile. Also called a round of ammunition.

A rifle, including the bayonet and cartridge belt.

A charge of grape shot.

A written or printed form showing the respective stations for the crew for various evolutions.