fore, to those who wish to enjoy
security at practice, I would advise the selection of ground free from
habitation, or where no people are at work--some secluded spot where
there is ample range, and, if possible, a natural hill or mound to
receive the bullets.

The military revolver will kill at 300 yards, the Snider artillery
carbine at 1800 yards, and the Martini-Henry rifle at 3000 yards.[B] Too
much dependence upon the use of the slide of the back-sight for
elevation in rifle practice should be deprecated for more than one
reason: _e.g._, assuming that a man has been firing at 300 yards with
his back-sight adjusted to that range, and he is suddenly ordered to
advance at the double; if, at the spur of the moment, he neglects to
reduce his sight, the result will follow that every shot will go over
the enemy. It is simply idle to suppose for one moment that in the heat
of action a soldier could afford to fritter away valuable time, or even
be allowed to do so, in adjusting back-sights. He would, if he were
properly instructed, when within 300 yards place his back-sight level,
and rely upon his own skill in judging what elevation he should use.

It is better to fire low than high. A low shot will usually ricochet,
particularly upon striking hard ground, greensward, or a wet clay soil,
and, consequently, will do damage. Very nearly two thirds of the bullets
in action are lost by going over the heads of the enemy.

In the instruction of men in the use of the rifle valuable time is
wasted, and too much importance is attached to useless detail. Let a man
be placed before the ordinary regimental target, at an unknown distance,
with the figure of a man traced thereon, assuming the target to be an
enemy similarly armed with himself; let him understand that he must take
his chance of hitting his man or being hit himself; and let him fire at
this target with the back-sight level, judging his own distance and the
necessary elevation required: this calculation (not a very difficult
one, after a little practice) could easily be come to while in the act
of loading. The result of the first shot would determine the required
elevation, and by taking pains, bull's eyes and centres would soon be
obtained.

It is submitted that this mode of procedure would create an interest in
the practice of the soldier, tending to cause a healthy reaction; men
would take more pains, and try to beat their comrades, as there would be
a greater stimul