of the Old World. 501 



with, but after a short time they invariably fall off, 

 both in their strength and regularity of shooting, 

 become shaky, and even dangerous ; for the locks 

 (being made of soft metal instead of the best tempered 

 steel) begin to wear, and are no longer to be de- 

 pended upon. It is a mistaken policy, and false 

 economy, to purchase any other than a first-class gun, 

 which, with ordinary care, will last longer than half- 

 a-dozen cheap ones of inferior workmanship, and give 

 infinitely more satisfaction, to say nothing of the great 

 additional security against accidents. 



Perhaps the following hints on rifle-shooting may 

 prove useful to those who have not had the benefit of 

 an efficient instructor. 



Riflemen are not made in a day, but it is an 

 established fact that any one gifted with perfect 

 vision can, with instruction and practice, become an 

 efficient marksman ; therefore, none should be dis- 

 couraged or despair, as perseverance must lead to 

 ultimate success. 



First commencing with the theory of rifle practice, 

 which must be fully understood before the rifleman 

 can hope to be an expert shot at all ranges, I shall 

 afterwards enter upon the practical part of his initia- 

 tion. 



The first point for consideration is the barrel of 

 the rifle, which (in the Enfield pattern), it may be 

 observed, has three spiral grooves cut in the interior, 



