GERMANY. 79 



For the first instruction a target of white ground, marked 

 as shown in fig. 2, is recommended. 



Until the recruit has attained proficiency in the prepara- 

 tory course he is not allowed to fire with ball cartridges. 

 Special attention is paid to the eyesight and visual defects 

 are to be promptly reported, so that if necessary the surgeon 

 may prescribe the glasses to be worn. 



The judicious choice of positions, use of cover, correct esti- 

 mate of distances, rapid loading, proper adjustment of sights, 

 rapid and correct aiming, are qualities that require to be fre- 

 quently exercised and are indispensable to the efficient use of 

 the rifle in action. The pointing and aiming exercises are 

 therefore to be continued during the whole service of the sol- 

 dier, but they must never be too long continued, and are to 

 be executed strictly with a view to maintaining efficiency. 



ESTIMATING DISTANCES. 



Instruction in estimating distances is carried on during the 

 same time as that of the preparatory instruction in the use of 

 the rifle. Men are expected to be able to estimate correctly 

 distances up to 600 meters ; officers, noncommissioned officers, 

 and skilled privates up to 1,000 meters, and are exercised in 

 estimating even greater distances. Officers are required to 

 be able to read, correctly and readily, distances on large-scale 

 maps. 



The training is progressive, units of distance being fixed in 

 the mind by pacing and observation, and the eye trained by 

 frequent practice in different conditions of surface, light, etc. 



RANGE FIRING. 



In these exercises officers and men are expected to acquire 

 and maintain the highest degree of efficiency,. so as to be 

 skilled in the use of the rifle in all positions, but this, while 

 important, is to be regarded only as a preparation for field 

 firing. Firing at known distances being necessary for 

 thorough instruction, relatively more time and ammunition 

 are properly devoted to those exercises. 



The progressive development of the course necessitates the 

 division of those firing into classes. The second class consists 

 of all men in their first year of service, and men of longer 

 service who have not qualified for the first class. The first 

 class includes the men who have made the scores required in 



