146 MANUAL FOE YOTJNG- SPORTSMEN. 



that liability we guard against by elevated sights. What 

 is called a point-blank shot, for there really exists no such 

 thing, is merely a shot which we fire from the ordinary 

 elevation of our piece, without extra allowance made, at 

 the centre of the mark. 



It is clear, therefore, that in aiming with a rifle, abso- 

 lute precision of aim is positively requisite. There is no 

 space for chance or good fortune even in a minimum 

 degree. The ball must be sped exactly to the identical 

 spot which it must hit, and the divergence of a hair's 

 breadth at the muzzle will grow into inches or even feet 

 as the range increases. 



Therefore the aim must be taken with the utmost 

 deliberation and certainty, and must be maintained per- 

 fect, which can only be done by great steadiness of nerve, 

 perfect coolness of temper, and sufficient muscular power, 

 until not merely the trigger is drawn, but the ball is dis- 

 missed from the barrel. 



I am satisfied that in rifle-shooting, the more misses 

 by far occur in consequence of the shooter disturbing a 

 correct aim, and diverting his barrel never so little from 

 the true line, by the act of pulling the trigger, or by 

 flinching from the flash or report, than of his taking a false 

 direction in the first instance. 



If, therefore, nerve be valuable to any shooter, to the 

 rifleman it is indispensable. The slightest tremor, even 

 the motion communicated by the act of breathing labori- 

 ously to the muscles of the arm and shoulder, is sufficient 

 to disturb the truest aim and spoil the finest shot. 



It is impossible, therefore, for one half at least, if not 



