44 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



rations, which pack well in the subsistence wagon, or can be carried on mules. The exterior 

 dimensions of these boxes are Sl^-" X IS-J" X 13^". The biscuit is dried 15 days before being 

 packed, is packed tight, and will keep for many years. 



The system of fencing with the bayonet, which is in general use in the French army, does 

 not differ materially from our own; a gutta percha bayonet, with a button, is used. The System 

 of Gymnastics (edition of 1847) gives the full details of all the materials necessary, and excel- 

 lent plates illustrating the various exercises. 



The system of instruction in natation, by the chief of battalion d'Argy, is simple and 

 excellent. 



There is a gymnastic school, near Vincennes, to which one sergeant or corporal is sent from 

 every regiment and independent battalion. They remain six months at the school, the best 

 pupils being retained six months longer as assistant instructors. 



The course consists of gymnastics, scaling walls, swimming, fencing with the bayonet, 

 singing, dancing, reading, writing, &c. 



The agility and skill exhibited by the pupils was really wonderful. 



The efficiency of the French infantry is in no small degree attributable to the great attention 

 paid to these points throughout the army. 



Shortly before our visit to the gymnastic school, a series of experiments had been carried on 

 there, by authority of the minister of war, in a system of field telegraphing, the invention of 

 Mr. Swaim, an American. The object is to communicate orders and intelligence, as far as the 

 eye can reach, by means of combinations of simple objects, such as a cap or coat on the point of 

 a bayonet, &c. It was stated by tlie officers that the system worked admirably and was of 

 value. It would be worth the while of our government to inquire into the matter. 



At Vincennes there is a school of firing for officers of infantry. A lieutenant or sub-lieu- 

 tenant is sent here every year from every regiment or independent battalion of infantry. 



The course is of four months, and comprises the theory and jDractice of target firing, 

 full instruction as to the construction, use, and preservation of fire-arms, preparation of 

 cartridges, &c. 



In a lesson in aiming, given by the chief of battalion Minie, the gist of his instructions was 

 this : Always press the butt against the shoulder ; in aiming at a near object, (without the 

 hausse,) raise the shoulder, in order to bring the low sight up to the level of the eye ; in aiming 

 at a distant object, (with the high hausse,) lower the shoulder, so as to bring the top of the 

 hausse on a level with the eye. 



The barracks generally allow sufficient space, but are not well arranged for the quietness of 

 the men. 



Tlie bunks usually consist of boards supported by iron trestles ; sometimes of iron bedsteads. 



The police of the quarters is not generally good, but the habits of the nation are not remark- 

 able for neatness. 



In the field, as well as in quarters, the officers bestow the utmost care upon the comfort and 

 well-being of the men, rightly regarding that as probably the most essential element to insure 

 efficiency, contentedness, and willing obedience. This example cannot be too strongly urged 

 for imitation. 



