1^.'-^ 



gifted, and shoots infrequently, he will be what is far 

 better than an expert in one branch of shooting — 

 " a good all-around shot." Even among one class 

 of marksmen you often find a marked individuality. 



Famous shots are not made; they are born. 

 Yet it is possible for any man to become a good 

 marksman. 



The sooner one begins, however, the easier it is 

 to learn to shoot, and to absorb the principles that 

 render accidents impossible. It is well known that 

 the majority of "gun accidents" are caused by men 

 who are inexperienced. 



The Boers of South Africa are an example of 

 men who have developed into splendid marksmen 

 from constant shooting in the open. 



One of the most important factors in good shoot- 

 ing is a clean gun. This fact should be drilled into 

 one in early youth, as it then becomes second nature. 

 Cleaning guns, particularly in the field when one is 

 tired and sleepy from the day's sport, is often a 

 nuisance. The time to clean a gun is immediately 

 after using it. It is easily cleaned, then, and the 

 longer you wait the more difficult the task is. There 

 are many cleaning oils made, and all are fairly satis- 

 factory; but the best gun-cleaning ingredient yet 

 discovered, is "elbow-grease." 



It is always appropriate to end a yarn about guns 

 by a warning against carelessness. 



78 



