FRANCE. 53 



The points of impact can be seen from the firing point by 

 the instructor (using a glass if need be), who coaches the man 

 accordingly. The holes are not pasted until after each series 

 of 6 shots. Whatever the kind of practice, it is considered 

 satisfactory when all the 6 shots of any series have been 

 put in the outer circle. Generally no conditions are imposed 

 for passing from one practice to another, the instructor alone 

 judging when the man has done well enough. No record is 

 made of this shooting, though in order to stimulate interest 

 each shot may be counted as in ordinary practice, i. e., 2 

 points for the inner circle and 1 for the outer. 



The practice progresses as follows : 



1. The target is a black paster on a white sheet of paper. 

 The man fires one series of 6 shots and the grouping of the 

 holes is remarked. The "shot grouper," as shown in the 

 sketch, is placed over the holes so as to contain in its outer 

 circle the greatest j)ossible number of hits. This practice 

 shows the man how his gun shoots, and enables the instructor 

 to teach uniformity of shooting. 



2. When a series of six shots are all contained in the 

 "grouper," the man proceeds to fire at the target as sketched 

 above. The point aimed at is a paster of the dimensions 

 given in the table placed generally as shown in the sketch, 

 though, following the peculiarities of the man and the gTin 

 as determined in the first practice, it may be placed in another 

 position whose relation to the center of the target is such as 

 would cause that center to be hit when the paster is aimed at. 



3. The two practices as aboA'e being satisfactory, shooting 

 at will and at the word of command, rapid and magazine 

 fire, are next taught in succession. For this practice the men 

 are placed in line, elbows touching, and each shoots at his 

 own target. 



The firing at will is at first slow and then proceeds pro 

 gressively to "rapid fire" (6 shots in thirty-five seconds). 

 Sometimes a dozen cartridges are given each man and he is 

 allowed to fire as fast as he can during one minute, and the 

 results established. Some of the firings at will, etc., are per- 

 formed from the magazine. 



Noncommissioned officers and men who have qualified as 

 marksmen may be excused from gallery practice if the captain 

 chooses. 



