101 



first level more nearly in contact with it; which, 

 in proportion as it diminishes the call for sub- 

 sequent adjustment, will increase the decision 

 and certainty of his shot. 



I believe it is a pretty generally received 

 opinion, that birds are principally missed in 

 consequence of being shot under. I am aware 

 that, in the greater number of shots, the bird is 

 still on the ascent during the progress of the 

 charge towards it ; and I know also how much, 

 at any material distance, the lead will begin to 

 feel the influence of gravitation ; which are both 

 sound reasons for keeping up our level: but 

 I am not prepared to admit the position in its 

 unqualified extent. I put entirely out of the 

 question the irregular band of the slap-at-'ems ; 

 your " sons of thunder," who never permit the 

 contents of their barrel to wait the chance of 

 rising up to level, but shut their eyes, and fire 

 away in hopes. Much as I am bound to admire 

 the genuine, though somewhat unmanageable, 

 ardour of these gentlemen, I can not admit 

 them into the present calculation. My views 

 are confined directly to that part of our corps 

 for whom, as having entered the ranks with 

 serious thoughts of improvement, I feel myself 

 immediately interested, and with whom I rather 

 think that the majority of errors will be found 



