GERMANY. 105 



etc. ; later lie may do all tliese things by himself, the in- 

 structor afterwards correcting errors. 



The course demands high qualifications on the part of the 

 instructor, and such time and care is to be given to the in- 

 struction of the recruit, including practice with dummy and 

 blank cartridges, as will supplement that already received in 

 the theory of rifle fire, demonstration of the capabilities of 

 the rifle, and handling of the piece, so that the only real nov- 

 elty in the field firing with ball cartridges will be the effect 

 produced by the bullets. 



FIRING WITH BALL CARTRIDGES. 



These exercises are carried on against figure targets with 

 its modifications and targets representing horsemen, in the 

 same manner as in the prejjaratory exercises. 



For skillful men more difficult exercises are arranged. To 

 insure thoroughness men pursue the course separately, under 

 the surveillance of the instructor. "Without moving the man 

 may fire at targets appearing in succession at different 

 ranges, or he may himself advance or retire. To encourage 

 the observation of shots he may be accompanied by another 

 man, who watches the shots and tells him where they strike, 

 and they may alternate in firing and watching for each other, 

 provided that they go through their course independently, 

 firing at their own targets. At first, before firing, the man 

 announces to the instructor his estimate of the distan,ce, ele- 

 vation required, etc. ; these are corrected if necessary. After 

 the man has gained assurance he operates alone, and may 

 state these details after firing the shot. On the company 

 target record the days of practice by the man are entered on 

 the memorandum made at the range, the name of the man, 

 and the number of cartridges fired. The company com- 

 mander decides whether, and how, the result of the fire is to 

 be recorded. 



Men of the lowest class take up the firing as soon as suffi- 

 ciently instructed, others as early as possible after the begin- 

 ning of the target year. If convenient • ground for the 

 individual fire be lacking, the commander in chief may 

 authorize it to be omitted, but the omission of such fire for 

 two years in succession in tJie same unit is to be avoided. 

 The omission must be specially noted in the annual report 

 of firing. 



