THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 197 



kind of gun, and many to become expert 

 marksmen. 



Few men arrive at a very great degree 

 of perfection in rifle-shooting. The 

 " heaven-born rifle shot" must have long 

 muscular arms, strong hips, coolness of 

 action, and presence of mind, keenness 

 of eye, and command of temper, nerves 

 unbraced by anything except exercise and 

 spring water,'* and, added to all, constant 

 practice. 



OF THE RIFLE BARREL. 



The rifle barrel should be of the octa- 

 gon form, three feet seven inches and a 

 half long, and weight at least five pounds. 

 Five pounds is a very light barrel. This 

 length is generally adopted by the best 

 rifle makers. It gives one spiral revolu- 



* I am sorry that I cannot, in this instance, agree 

 with my American friend — I like a dash of brandy 

 in it.— F.T. 



