estimate by pacing the distance. Do this once
a day for several months, and you may become highly skilled in the art
of estimating distances.

2. Preliminary Instruction

If you know how a soldier, or group of soldiers, looks at the different
ranges, it will often assist you in quickly making an accurate estimate
of the distance. In order to acquire skill in estimating distances by
this method one must have special exercises designated to demonstrate
the clearness with which details of clothing, movement of the limbs,
etc., can be observed at the different ranges. Have a squad march away
from you to a distance of 1,200 yards. Then have it approach you and
halt every 100 yards. Each time the squad halts make a mental note of
the distance, and then observe carefully its appearance, the clearness
with which you can see the clothing, movements of the limbs, etc.

APPEARANCE OF OBJECTS

Become familiar with the effect which the varying conditions of light,
background, etc., have upon the apparent distance of the object. Don't
be content to memorize the following data, but go after the underlying
reason in each case.

Objects seem nearer than they actually are:

1. When the object is seen in a bright light.

2. When the color of the object contrasts sharply with the color of the
background.

3. When looking over water, snow, or a uniform surface like a wheat
field.

4. When looking from a height downward.

5. In clear atmosphere of high altitudes, as in Arizona and New Mexico.

Objects seem more distant than they actually are:

1. When looking over a depression in the ground (across a canyon).

2. When there is a poor light (very cloudy day) or a fog.

3. When only a part of the object can be seen.

4. When looking from low ground upward toward higher ground.

ESTIMATING DISTANCES BY SOUND

Sound travels at the rate of about 366 yards a second. Therefore,
multiply the number of seconds intervening between the flash of the gun
and the report of the same by 366, and the product will be the distance
in yards to the gun.

RANGE-FINDING INSTRUMENT

Each company is equipped with a range-finding instrument. All company
officers and sergeants should be proficient in using it. The accuracy of
this instrument will greatly depend upon the skill of the user, and the
visibility of the objective.

TRIAL SHOTS OR VOLLEYS

"If the ground is so dry and dusty that the fall of the bullets is