516 The Hunting Grounds 



in the line of the axis, and consequently there will 

 be a deviation in its flight. 



I shall now notice the causes of irregular firing 

 over which the rifleman can have no control, but 

 which may, to a certain extent, be rendered less 

 injurious to " the score " if the following observations 

 are carefully attended to: 



First, the wind affects the flight of the bullet to a 

 considerable extent in firing at long distances, divert- 

 ing it from its true course, and accelerating or retard- 

 ing its progress according as it blows with or against 

 it. When the wind blows from a quarter exactly 

 opposite to the direction of the bullet, it experiences 

 a greater resistance in its flight, and accordingly 

 more elevation should be given. Should the wind 

 blow exactly from the shooter to the target the 

 resistance will be less than ordinary, and consequently 

 less elevation than ordinary is required. Allowances 

 should be made according to the strength of the 

 current of air. If the wind blows from the right, 

 aim to the right, as the deflection will be to the left, 

 and vice versa if from the left. 



If the course of the wind forms an angle to the 

 direction of the bullet, aim must be taken, and allow- 

 ances made accordingly. Thus, if the wind blows from 

 the right and contrary, the deviation will be to the 

 left and low : therefore, in order to strike the bull's- 



