FRANCE. 51 



In individual practice the targets, silhouettes or groups, 

 are placed at least 4 meters apart. 



A noncommissioned oflScer is charged with supervising the 

 markers in the pits. 



In the practice at known distances the range officer places on 

 the line of targets a frame 2 meters square covered with ruled 

 paper. He then, before the men arrive, fires 12 shots from 

 a rest, with a rifle whose shooting he is familiar with, aiming 

 each time at the lower edge of a circle traced with a diameter 

 equal to the range divided by 1,000. The center of impact is 

 then determined, and the resulting point at which to aim is 

 marked on a regulation target which is placed to the right or left 

 of the line of targets. This serves as an indication to the men 

 of corrections to make in their aiming. If during the day's 

 shooting the atmospheric conditions change decidedly, the 

 range officer redetermines the point. 



There are two markers for each target, one who pastes, and 

 one who signals the score of each shot with a flag. 



PREPARATORY EXERCISES. 



These are in general similar to those prescribed in our 

 regulations. The men are first taught to place the piece in 

 the correct position of aim, to do so rapidly and accurately, 

 then the instruction proceeds in the use of the sights, aiming 

 with the different elevations, action of the finger on the trig- 

 ger, pulling the trigger without deranging the aim, etc. 



Instruction with the gun on a rest to induce regularity in 

 aiming, in the amount of front sight to take, etc., proceeds 

 on lines with which we are familiar. 



The instructions for the positions standing, kneeling, and 

 lying down are almost exactly the same as in our regulations 

 excei^t that in the position of the "order kneeling" the butt 

 of the piece is held on the right thigh, the left hand grasping 

 the stock. 



GALLERY PRACTICE. 



After thorough instruction in the preparatory exercises the 

 recruits are given a course in gallery practice before going on 

 the range. The allowance of ammunition will be found in 

 the table. This practice is executed in the three positions, 

 first at targets, and then at silhouettes. They begin with 

 individual practice at fixed targets, then at moving and 

 disappearing targets, then practice for rapidity, individual 

 practice at word of command, and volley firing. 



