EPISODES 459 



still enjoyed in that now happy portion of the United 

 States. 



We have individuals in Kentucky, kind reader, that 

 even there are considered wonderful adepts in the manage- 

 ment of the rifle. To drive a nail is a common feat, not 

 more thought off by the Kentuckians than to cut off a 

 Wild Turkey's head, at a distance of a hundred yards. 

 Others will bark off Squirrels one after another, until satis- 

 fied with the number procured. Some, less intent on 

 destroying game, may be seen under night snuffing a 

 candle at the distance of fifty yards, off-hand, without ex- 

 tinguishing it. I have been told that some have proved 

 so expert and cool as to make choice of the eye of a foe 

 at a wonderful distance, boasting beforehand of the sure- 

 ness of their piece, which has afterwards been fully proved 

 when the enemy's head has been examined ! 



Having resided some years in Kentucky, and having 

 more than once been witness of rifle sport, I shall present 

 you with the results of my observation, leaving you to 

 judge how far rifle-shooting is understood in that State. 



Several individuals who conceive themselves expert in 

 the management of the gun are often seen to meet for the 

 purpose of displaying their skill, and betting a trifling 

 sum, put up a target, in the centre of which a common- 

 sized nail is hammered for about two-thirds of its length. 

 The marksmen make choice of what they consider a proper 

 distance, which may be forty paces. Each man cleans 

 the interior of his tube, which is called wiping it, places 

 a ball in the palm of his hand, pouring as much powder 

 from his horn upon it as will cover it. This quantity is 

 supposed to be sufficient for any distance within a hundred 

 yards. A shot which comes very close to the nail is 

 considered as that of an indifferent marksman ; the bend- 

 ing of the nail is, of course, somewhat better; but nothing 

 less than hitting it right on the head is satisfactory. Well, 

 kind reader, one out of three shots generally hits the nail, 



