us to do so than by the present system. Men, as it is,
go to their practice without the slightest interest therein, and get rid
of the ammunition as soon as possible, in order to get off duty. The
real reason why we have such excellent shots in the Volunteers is
accounted for by the fact that they not only take an interest in the
work, but take pains in everything they do, the result being success.

Much significance is attached to the bull's-eye mania. It should be
borne in mind that a man is a large object at which to aim; that so long
as he can be crippled there is no necessity to kill. To disable a man so
that he can do no more mischief is sufficient.

Any man can make a scale of elevation in his own mind, and, with
practice, fire at any range without putting up the sight, and can fire
standing. My theory is as follows:--

Up to 100 yards the range is point-blank, that is, aim direct on the
bull's eye; for 200 yards, raise the muzzle, say one foot above the
bull's eye; for 300 yards, two feet above the bull's eye, and so on. A
few trial-shots will soon settle the question, and practice makes
perfect. A man will thus be independent of the back-sight of his rifle.
This refers to shooting in the open. Of course, under cover, when time
and circumstances admit, the back-sight can be used with great
advantage.

A man in shooting with a pistol or revolver has to judge his own
distance and the necessary elevation. Why should not the same rule apply
directly to the rifle? I have seen excellent practice at 400 yards with
a Snider carbine, back-sight level, the man judging his own elevation,
and have been very successful myself, and have found the above rule
apply, with slight variations.

In rifle contests all artificial nonsense, such as coloured glasses,
eye-shades, kneeling upon eider-down quilts, firing from shaded tents,
blackening sights, &c., should be discouraged. Let a man leave all such
effeminacy and tomfoolery at home, and shoot like a man, taking
circumstances as he would find them in the open field _with an enemy_
before him, using such cover only as nature and circumstances provide.

There is infinite satisfaction attached to the winning of an honour,
when that honour has to be obtained under difficulties which must be
surmounted. The more difficult the task is, the more merit in overcoming
it.

Lastly. All firearms require constant attention, and should be kept
clean. After use they should be immediate