OF THE OLD WORLD. 495 



Correct judgment in making the proper allow- 

 ances for the efifect of various winds upon the flight 

 of the projectile, can only be gained by practice in 

 all kinds of weather, but the above hints may assist 

 the novice. 



The state of the atmosphere considerably affects 

 the range of the bullet. In damp weather, when 

 the atmosphere is dense, its resistance to the flight 

 of the bullet is increased, and consequently greater 

 elevation should be given. In fine clear weather, on 

 the contrary, the resistance is less, and the bullet 

 7'ises, therefore less elevation is required. Humidity 

 in the atmosphere also affects the range of the bullet 

 in a different manner, as it has a certain influence 

 on ignition of gunpowder, which in damp weather is 

 not so rapid as in fine ; therefore, on such days, larger 

 charges should be used than in hot summer days. 



The positioJi of the sun is sometimes liable to in- 

 fluence the correct aim, as if it shines from the right 

 it lightens up the right side of the front-sight, and 

 the left side of the notch of the back-sight, throwing 

 the left of the front-sight and the right of the back- 

 sight into the shade ; therefore, if the firer is not 

 careful in aiming properly, the " line of sight " is 

 liable to pass from the left of the centre of the notch 

 of the back-sight and the I'ight of the front-sight, 

 the effect of which would be that the bullet would 

 strike to the left, and vice versa if the sun shines 

 from the left. Sun-shades are sometimes used to 

 obviate this difficulty. 



