CHAPTER II 



jl 



Hunting 

 With 



the Rifle 



THE rifle is pre-eminently a long-range weapon. 

 Throwing a single bullet a great distance, it 

 at once becomes useful as a military arm, or 

 to those who hunt big game. America is wonder- 

 fully adapted to rifle shooting, and for many hundreds 

 of years the sportsman will find game worthy of 

 his skill. Two splendid game animals — the deer, 

 and the black bear — will always be found near 

 civilization, if well protected ; and a host of smaller 

 animals furnish fine sport to the hunter. The killing 

 of game is not the most important feature of hunting. 

 In reviewing the pleasures of by-gone hunts, we find 

 that the exercise, sunlight, and open air, all have a 

 place in tlie sport. There is nothing that gives a 

 man who is over-worked more solid enjoyment than 

 a day spent wath dog and gun. 



The skill that is required in hitting a rapidly 

 moving target gives more pleasure than the death 



of an animal. 



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