178 



TARGET PRACTICE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



(c) Movable targets. — Movable targets are moved on trams 

 or sleds. Tramways are more expensive but more serviceable 

 for targets moving across the line of fire either perpendicu- 

 larly or obliquely so that they can be properly protected. 

 Figures of all kinds are mounted on cars or wagons with four, 

 six, or eight wheels, and hauled by motors or by the inclina- 

 tion of the track. 



Sleds are more common and are used for all targets moving 

 in the line of fire. The runners are of wood or sheet iron. 

 Sleds with wooden runners are heavier and are considered 

 more serviceable for heavier targets, especially when moving 

 over a soft, moist, and comparatively level field. But sleds 

 with sheet-iron runners like those shown in fig. 38 are most 

 commonly used. The runners are of corrugated iron 1 milli- 

 meter thick ; a wooden block is bolted to each runner by the 

 same bolts that hold the two crossbeams. The runners are 

 connected also by braces in front and behind, and the iron or 

 steel cords that are attached to the blocks serve also as diag- 

 onal braces. 



JL 



Fig. 31. 



These lines are led by snatch blocks to a distant part of 

 the field, 2,000 meters, more or less, where it is convenient 

 to apply the motive power by horses or steam or otherwise. 

 When practicable the part of the line most exposed to the 

 projectiles is laid in a furrow. 



When the figures on the sled are fixed, the sled is so turned 

 that they will present their edges to the firing point until 

 they are to become visible, and so that the sled is turned on 

 starting. 



Figures 39, 40, 41, and 42 represent devices by which in- 

 fantry targets are made to rise on the sled when the cord is 

 tightened, and figure 43 a target with two sets of figures 

 which impersonate a skirmish line advancing by rushes and 

 then lying down to fire. 



