Pointing-stakes

Are used in pointing mortars, and by them one of the fixed points is established upon the crest of the parapet or at the foot of the interior slope, and another in rear of the piece. Then by a cord called the pointing-cord , stretched between these two points, with the plummet suspended from it, a vertical plane is determined with which the line of metal is made to coincide. Mortars are also pointed by means of pointing-wires .