SPORTING RIFLES AND THEIR USE 361 



stalker or big-game hunter the conditions are some- 

 what different. The range rifleman can take all the 

 time he wants in reason for his shot. He has a 

 comfortable mat whereon to lie, which keeps out the 

 wet ; he knows the range to a yard ; and the distant 

 bull's-eye will neither run away nor charge him. 



The hunter must take the shot as best he can 

 shivering with cold, maybe, or panting with exertion 

 and streaming with perspiration. Also straight up- 

 hill or downhill, or on the flat, just as circumstances 

 happen. And, if over point-blank range, he has to 

 calculate the distance by the eye, and to make the 

 calculation rapidly. As a rule, the exigencies of the 

 sport do not give time for any elaborate, long-range, 

 Bisley positions. 



It is well to accustom one's self to one or two 

 simple positions, according to the nature of the shot 

 and learn to take them rapidly when the time comes. 

 According to my experience the most convenient 

 position in the field, where time permits, is seated, 

 with an elbow on each knee. It can be rapidly 

 assumed, and is suitable for downhill shots or on the 

 flat, but not for uphill shots. These latter can only 

 be conveniently taken either kneeling on the right 

 knee, with left elbow on the left knee, or lying prone, 

 both elbows on the ground. 



I am inclined to think that more shots at game are 

 missed from the failure to take proper position, 

 according to the nature of the ground, than from any 

 other cause. The actual skill of marksmanship required 

 in order to hit a deer in the right place at say 100, or 

 150 yards is not great. It is, in fact, a very simple, 

 easy matter for anyone with ordinary knowledge and 

 experience of shooting. If the deer were an iron one, 



