The protective deck is known more generally among seamen as the berth deck. Above that, at a distance of about 8 1/2 feet, comes the main deck, and 8 1/2 feet above that the upper deck, while amidships, between the two main turrets, is the superstructure, the deck of which is known as the superstructure or boat deck. The berth deck and main deck are devoted to the living accommodations of the officers and crew, the crew being amidships and forward, and the officers aft. The berth deck, as its name would indicate, is largely devoted to the berthing and general living accommodation of the crew. Here are also to be found, in the wake of the forward gun turrets, on one side the sick bay, and on the other side the refrigerating room and ice machine. Aft of that, on the port side, are the sick bay, lavatory, dispensary, machinists' quarters, ordnance workshop and blowers; while on the starboard side are the petty officers' quarters, the laundry, and the drying-room. Then, in the wake of the boiler-rooms, on each side of the ship, are coal bunkers which add their protection to that of the side armor of the vessel. In the center of the ship are washrooms for the crew and firemen. Aft of the coal bunkers on this deck come the officers' quarters. On both sides of the ship are the staterooms of the junior officers, and the wardroom staterooms, while between them is a large wardroom and dining-room with its pantry. The extreme aft portion of the berth deck is taken up by officers' lavatories, etc.

On the main deck above, forward, is more berthing accommodation for the crew, also shower baths and lavatories, while amidships are found the various galleys for the crew and the officers, arranged between the basco of the smokestacks, while amidships in the wings of the vessel is more berthing space for the crew. Aft on the main deck the space is given up largely to accommodations for the senior officers and for the admiral, which, by the way, give one an impression more of commodiousness than of rich or extravagant furnishing. Forward, above the conning tower, are the pilothouse chartroom and the room of the commanding officer. In the particular ship shown, the heavier guns are mounted on the upper deck, two 12-inch guns in a turret forward and two aft, and eight 8-inch guns in two armored turrets, two on each broadside amidships. The intermediate battery of twelve 6-inch guns is mounted on the main deck, the guns firing through casemates. On this deck are also eight 3-inch guns, four forward and four aft; there are also four 3-inch guns, mounted in broadside on the upper deck, within the superstructure. The new method of emplacing guns on our warships, by which it is possible to swing the guns around until their muzzles are flush with the side of the ship, has the good effect of leaving the side of the ship free from projecting objects when the vessel is in harbor, and of leaving the living spaces of the crew but very slightly obstructed.

Longitudinal Section Through A United States Battleship Showing 12-Inch Gun Turret, Barbette, Handling Room, And Magazines.