LET US GO AFIELD 



when we had to be careful in the estimate of the 

 ranges. The old Springfield load, for instance, had a 

 trajectory which would not injure a church steeple at 

 five hundred yards, although if you managed to 

 plump your big bullet on a running animal the lat- 

 ter was pretty safe to stop. 



One ought never to go hunting for rare and diffi- 

 cult game, or for dangerous game, without having 

 absolute confidence in the particular rifle which he 

 is using. He ought neither to change his footwear 

 nor his gun just at the time he needs the most com- 

 fort and most confidence. 



It is a good thing to have all of one's rifles fitted 

 with shotgun stocks, so that instinctively one shoots 

 fairly close, at least, to the mark. The cheek-piece 

 is by no means a bad thing on the rifle stock, al- 

 though most Americans sneer at this as a European 

 notion. It is just as well to give yourself every 

 per cent of advantage at a time when one shot means 

 so much to you, and the cheek-piece aids in quick, 

 perfect alignment. 



Especially necessary, of course, to give the rifle- 

 man confidence in his rifle is thorough acquaintance 

 and practice with the rifle sights. Do not begin 

 monkeying with your sights after you get on the 

 game field ; know your rifle before you go to testing 

 it at the last instant. 



158 



