OF THE OLD WORLD. 489 



essentials in a well-trained marksman is the capa- 

 bility to estimate distances correctly, as good 

 shooting cannot be made unless the distance is 

 previously ascertained and the proper elevation 

 given to the back-sight. At long ranges it requires 

 great practice to judge distance accurately ; but 

 there is always a ready method of ascertaining it 

 practically, by firing, and watching whether the 

 bullet strikes the ground over or under the object 

 aimed at. If over, he will lower the sliding bar of 

 the back-sight ; if under, he will raise it. Practice 

 over all kinds of ground is the best means of teach- 

 ing a novice how to judge distance correctly by the 

 eye, and any one possessing good vision may train 

 himself most effectually in this art for all practical 

 purposes. This, however, can only be accomplished 

 by continual practice and careful observation. 

 When engaged in ball-practice at a target placed at 

 known distances, the tyro should carefully notice the 

 apparent height of the markers at each range, remem- 

 bering that in fine clear weather objects standing in a 

 strong light will appear much nearer than they really 

 are, and vice versa in cloudy and damp weather. 



At fifty yards, the features of a man may be 

 clearly identified, and his complexion, arms, ac- 

 coutrements, and dress distinctly perceived, the 

 buttons and the badge on his forage-cap being 

 distinguishable. At one hundred yards, the features 

 become indistinct, the buttons appear in a line, and 

 the badge can be only faintly discerned. At two 



