2 6 
FOREST AND STREAM 
figures of "warriors "with bows and arrows, and "various 
reptiles. After mucli difficulty a breach Was made in the 
wall, and, by the light of a torch, several of the party 
entered. Much surprised, they found themselves within a 
vault eight feet high, with rooms 13x15 feet long, with 
armed warriors encased in niches, all in a state of petri¬ 
faction. This is certainly a most wonderful discovery, 
and has produced a profound sensation. In vietv of this 
important discovery Col, Hart has stationed a guard to 
prevent parties making way with these wonderful objects. 
Murphy’s Island will, no doubt, become the Mecca of the 
St. J.ohns River.” __ 
he 
e. 
membership of over titty, a delegate for every fifty members In good 
standing upon their roll) to confer with the Directors of the National 
Rifle Associanon, at a convention lo be hold in the city of New York, in 
the month of May tn each year, and os near the spring meeting as pos¬ 
sible, in regard to the ralea and fall programme of the latter, and i he 
general Interests of ride practice in America. 
IV. To receive in cacti year the bronze medal of the National Rifle 
Association, to be competed for by their members, as may be prescribed 
by their * filers. 
Unsolved, That in view of the advantages arising from the publication 
of the scores of the various associations and clubs in a single volume, 
and of Ihe benefits to lie derived from an annual convention of riflemen, 
alt rille associations and clnbs are requested to aftiliato with the National 
Ride Association without delay, m order that their iccords may appear in 
its Report, which will be published daring March next. 
MILITARY RIFLE PRACTICE. 
T HE very able report of Col. Wingate, the General In¬ 
spector of Rille Practice, is worthy of a much more 
elaborate abstract than our limited space permits us to 
make, and we would suggest, not only to every member of 
the National Guard, but to every rifleman, to procure a 
copy and read it. The results accomplished during the 
past year are but an indication of what will be done in the 
present . The wise action of the National Rifle Association 
in opening its organization to affiliating associations and 
permitting the free use tif tho Creedmoor ranges to certain 
of their members; in fostering team matches, and in ar¬ 
ranging an unusually attractive programme for the spriug 
meeting, cannot but be felt. During the May meeting it is 
expected that a large number of military organizations 
will send representatives to participate in the Creedmoor 
matches; at this lime it is proposed to hold a convention 
of riflemen to discuss various subjects looking to a 
strengthening of the movement. 
There will be several novelties in tlic military matches 
this year; one in which rifles will be handicapped as to 
distance instead of ppints. The Seventh Regiment are, 
we hear, doing excellent work in their weekly matches f( r 
tho regimental club prizes. The plan adopted by this regi¬ 
ment in I heir team matches, in not allowing the same team 
to participate twice, is likely to turn out a large number of 
marksmen. 
There is one point, howeVer, to which we should like 
to call the attention of the National Rifle Association, 
and that is, that rifle shooting is by no means confined to 
the mililia. The rifle, although the military weapon, is 
also, in this country at least, rapidly becoming the civilians 
source of amusement and recreation, and what we might 
call the Rifle Movement, is likely to be supported as much 
by gentlemen not connected with military organizations as 
by those who are. This is merely a suggestion to tho lead¬ 
ing rifle association of the country that it may do whit 
lies in its power to encourage this other great body, the 
abandonment of the rifle by which would result in general 
indifference throughout the country. 
Ool. Wingate, as General Inspector of Rifle Practice for 
the State, has submitted to the Adjutant General at Albany 
bis annual report, giving in a summarized form the work of 
tne militia with the rifle during the past year. The recom¬ 
mendation of the use oR'the sub-calibre rille aud Voses 
aiming tripod has resulted in the distribution of 100 rifles 
of 23 calibre, which will be used for armory practice. 
The report details the manner of transporting the troops to 
Creedmoor and the numbers who have visited the range. 
Ah aggregate of 7,670 noenfired at the 100 and 150 yards 
ranges, and in the third-class of these but 3,285 received 
the qualifying average of 25 points in the possible 50. Fir¬ 
ing again at slightly longeiArange, 802 passed into the 
second class, and of these, 533 gained places in the first- 
class and qualified as mjiksmen. The requisite for a 
marksman’s badge is a score of 25 in the possible 50, made 
in five shots at 200 and 500 yards. It will be seen that but 
about 7 per cent, of those who practised gained that aver¬ 
age The practice has been carried on uniter the brigade 
officers, two companies from each regiment in a brigade 
being ordered down daily. ’ , _ 
During the year the Fifth Division, under command of 
Geu. Rusted, lias taken up rifle practice, aud good ranges 
have been provided at Sing Sing,Tarrytowm,aud other places 
on the Hudson. Ranges have also been established at 
Rochester and Oswego. Albany and Buffalo are lo be pro¬ 
vided in a short time. The shooting during the year at 
the different ranges has demonstrateu the fact that the men 
comprising the country regiments were belter average 
marksmen than those who composed city organizations. 
The report recommends the iron targets at Creed inopr be 
removed and canvas ones submitted. 
it is recommended that the sights on the Hemington 
rifles now in use be so changed as to permit of elevation 
of fifty degrees with a single alteration. Regarding car¬ 
bines, Col. Wingate advises that a seventy gram charge be 
substituted for fifty .grains now used, ana tliat the sight be 
altered so that carbines may be used for 500 yard ranges. 
In conclusion tlie report says that the rifle practice of the 
yeur has doubled the efficiency of the National Guard, and 
that the standard of Creedmoor is now as high, as at Wim¬ 
bledon. 
The following is the resolution adopted at the last meet¬ 
ing of the National Rifle Association, relative to affiliating 
That ail rifle associations or club#, practicing in accordance 
witii the rules of the National Rifle Association, by apnually paying to 
Its treasurer the sum of twency-nve ($23) dollars, and forwarding to it a 
coov of their by laws, the names and addresses ol their officers, and the 
number of theu" members, certified as correct.by their secretary,. shall 
thereupon become entitled to the following privileges (which shall also 
be enjoyed by those military organizations joining at half rates):— 
I To annually nominate ten of their member*, who *hall be entitled 
to all the privileges of animal members of the National ttitie Associa¬ 
tion during the spring and fall matches, and for one week prior to each 
thereof^ the names and addresses of their officer?, and the scores 
made durum theyeariatbeirtwn principal association, club, company, or 
trooD matches, to be certified as correct by their secretary, pruned in 
each Annual Report of the National Rifle Association, and to receive 
twenty-live copies of such Report, to be forwarded xo their secretary 
wtthout charge. ^ ^ or jn caeBR 0 , , l8B ociutioiis or clubs having a 
Rifle Clubs.— We desire to prepare a complete list of 
the Rifle Clubs Of the United Slates and Canada. We 
shall therefore feel greatly obliged if secretaries of clubs 
will forward us, on postal cards preferred, simply the 
names of their organizations and list of officers. 
Coni,in’s Gallery.—T he tenth competition for the 
Forest and Stream badges was shot, February lOlli. Mr. 
Farwell Won the first badge for the second time, with the 
highest score ever made in the gallery, 45555455 5 
5, 48. This score also carries with it tne champion pin 
until the score is heaten. Mr. T. C. Banks won the second 
badge, and Mr. A. H. Forrester the third badge. The 
eleventh contest for the badges Will be shot Thursday, 
February 24th. 1876, commencing at 4 o’clock P. M., and 
the Turf, Field and Firm cups will be shot for to-night. 
All corners will be welcomed. 
On Monday evening an interesting match was shot 
between two teams chosen respectively by Mr. Chas. A. 
Cheever and L. V- Sone. The conditions were as usual, 
except that the contestants fired 10 shots each. Mr. Chee- 
ver's team won by a total score of 358 to 339. The indi¬ 
dual totals were as follows:— 
Name. Toial.l Name. Total. 
V bone.—ST 1 Chas. A. Cheover.66 
i: E. Beckwitn.S8|Ohas. Blydeuburg.«» 
J. Blydeuburg.UI.J. S. Conna.u5 
W. II. Farwell.G6|J. Trageaser.DO 
Jo?. Wood.43 -1. O. Wright.. .54 
11. D. Blydcnb.irg.60 1 Wilson McDonald.GO 
Total."...'... 3351 Total.358 
Creedmoor, Jr.—S ome few weeks ago gentlemen con¬ 
nected with tho Home and Continentar Insurance Com¬ 
panies, held a match at this range which resulted in the 
defeat of the latter company. On Saturday, February 
12th, the, relurn match took place, resulting in a victory 
for the team from the “Cominental’s.” The score was as 
follows:— 
CONTINENTAL. 
Score. Total- . 
4 4 4 4244444 38 
.4 3 4 5 5 4 4 2 3 4 38 
.3 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 35 
.4 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 35 
.3 3 3 3 4 2 4 3 3 3 31 
.4 t j»2 »2 8 2 0 2 27 
Name. 
Lloyd Roberts. 
C. E. Traelow. 
C". A. Scbermerhorn 
14. II. Hope. 
Walter H. Ernest... 
W. Ellsworth, Jr— 
Total..*... 
Kami. 
W. Wilson. 
w - . K. Hooart. 
W. H. Kacey. 
F'.Rt Southwick... 
J. W. Hitchcock.... 
II. J. Ferris. 
Total... 
Score. 
..3 2 4 5 4 4 3 4 4 3’ 
..3 3 4 4 4 1 5 4 3 4 
.542 5 3 4 23 3 3 
.3440335334 
..3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 
. 3 4 3 U 4 4 4 8 2 3 
Next Salnrday afternoon there will he a return match 
between the Citizens’ and Continental Insurance Com¬ 
panies. 
Hellwig’s Gallery.— The eleventh weekly competition 
shooting in lying position took place at Hellwig’s gallery, 
February 9lh, 1876. The following were the winners: 
Capt. Wm. Lindsay, first prize, 48; Dr. D. P. Austin, 
second prize, 40; liobt. Wheeler, third prize, 30. The 
next competition takes place February 16th, 1870. 
—Miley’s Gallery, No. 24 Court Street, Brook¬ 
lyn —A rifle tournament commenced at this gallery on 
Monday last and will continue until April 8th. Among 
the prizes is a handsome 44 callibre Ballard sporting rifle. 
Glen Drake— The directors of the American Rifle As¬ 
sociation have announced that there will be three matches at 
this range on February 23d, 1876, Washington’s birth day. 
A Military Match, for which three prizes are offered, Open 
to members of National Guard, in uniform, military rifles 
only An All Comers Match, for the same number of 
prizes, open to any rifle within rules, and a Subscription 
Match, constitute the entertainment. All the matches will 
be shot at 300 yards range off-hand. Stages will be in 
wailing at life depot, and Uiosewho purchase return tick¬ 
ets from New York will be entitled to ride to the range 
and back free of charge. That the attendance will lie 
large there can he no manner of doubt, as those Who have 
ever been to the matches Of this association will go again 
and take their friends. On Saturday, February 12th, 1876, 
the match for the Holden rifle, presented by Mr. Homer 
Fisher, took place. Tlte scores were not completed and 
the balance will be shot off during the coming week. The 
conditions of the match calls for shooting at 200 and 500 
yards ranges, off hand at both distances. The highest 
score thus far is that made by Capt. A. W. Peck, 200 yards, 
4 4 4 4 4—20; 500 yards, 5 3 5 5 3—21; total, 41. 
Syracuse.— The match between the teams of six from 
the Amateur Rifle Club of Rochester,and the Yates Dra¬ 
goons Club of Syracuse was shot in the gallery of the lat¬ 
ter club on the evening of February 10th. The rifles were 
the 32 -calibre Wessons; distance llO feet ; target the second- 
class reduced to one-tenth size, (bul!s-eye 2, 2-10 inches); 
Creedmc or rules. The follow ing are the scores;— 
ROCHESTER TEAM. 
■Marne. Score. T 
C E Rider.5 5 2 4 5 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 5 5 4 
(j T. Slilleun.. ..3 5 5 5 2 3 2 -3 3 4 5 5 5 2 5 
h! T. lldlt .5 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 4 3 4 5 5 
J. H. Brown?. 5 4554553 5 545 44 5 
R. B. Tates.a a 5 5545445355443 3 
S. A. tiervis. --4 45 3 34 5 54 5 5 5544 
Tcftal.. .* 
bYBACUBE TEAM. 
TCarnc Score. 
W.S.Baruum. 5 3 3 ? f ? 5 i £ 5 t 5 f 9 f 
O. G. Jones. 55 5 00435 558 6 5 o 8 
L. Baiter-..2 004 5 o434455o54 
-].' o,,,„ er .5 54555655454444 
A. O. Adkins., 553 325 5 55545435 
tj. Hertzog .- . 3 5 3 3 
303535455444 
Total, 
The judges were £. Angevine, of Rochester, and D. M. 
LeFever, of Syracuse. Major Auer, of Auburn, acted as 
referee. It will be seen that, although the aggregate counts 
were equal, Rochester won, having made ub misses. The 
shooting of Jones and Singer of the Syracuse team elicited 
great admiration from the numerous spectators. 
Another report of this match reached us from our cor¬ 
respondent “Seneca,” subsequent to the abovebemg placed 
in type. 
Morsemere. —The eighth competition for the Harris 
trophy took place on Tuesday last. Mr. Douglas Smythe 
was the winner for the third time, and thus became the 
owner of the rifle. The scores were as follows. D. Smythe, 
74; G. L. Morse, 73; H. J. Quinn, 73; II. Maynard, 69; G. 
Underhill, 67; and F. Shonnard, 67. A moving man target 
will be introduced at this range on Washington's birthday. 
On the same day a match for a medal for members of the 
Seventh Brigade, N. G. S. N. ¥., will take place. 
Rhode Island.— Last week Messrs. F. G. Rabbeth, E. 
Thomas, aud E. T. Freeman, members of the Rhode Is¬ 
land Amateur Rifle Club, shot a string of twenty shots at 
the range at Valley Falls, dis'ance 628 yards:— 
Name. Score. Total. 
Rabbeth.4 5 4 5 5 B 5 S 5 6 5 5 5 li 54 34 5 5 SW 
Thomas....3 5 4 43555544 5 45546455 89 
Fceemau. .3 4 3 4 5 4 3 5 3 3 2 3 4 0 4 .4 4 3 5 4 74 
(§<ime Qug nnd (§un. 
GAME IN SEASON IN FEBRUARY. 
Hares, brown and gray. 
Wild dock, geese, brant, &c. 
Deer,Wild Turkey .Woodcock, qualL, Snipe, Docks, and Wild Fowl. 
Game in Market. —Bnt a few days rame are left to the 
quail exterminators, and the activity in making the best of 
their time is seen in the abundance of birds in the market, 
and tho fall of the price from $5.50 to $3 per dozen. Our 
other quotations are without change. Ruffed grouse are 
worth $1,50 per pair, and pinnaied the same. Canvas 
back ducks, $3 to $3.50 per pair; red heads, $1 to 1.25; 
sprig tails, black dunk, and widgeon, 90 cents to $1; broad 
bills, 60 cents; teal, 75 cents to $1; brant, $1 50; geese, 
$1.25 to $1.50 each; rabbits, 50 to 60 cents per pair; hares, 
40 to 50 cents; wild pigeons, $2.25 to 2.75 per dozen. 
Hoy’s Wilderness. — C an any of our readers furnish us 
with information regarding this locality; how to get there, 
guides, etc. 7 
PIGEON MATCHES. 
Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 11th, 1876. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
The event ot the Seaton Riffle, place here yesterday afternoon between 
the two best shots in this locality for $*.’0, the conditions being 3: single 
birds, 21 yards rite, (from one trap), trap and handle Tor one another, 
each man furnishing Ins opponent’s birds and they were the beat I ever 
eaw leave a trap, all being strong and swift of wing, consequently the 
rather poor score. 
Name. 
Ai Rauch. 
Joe Uriel 
Score. 
.0 110011 ) 011111 1*0 01101 ,*0—12 
.1 0 1 t 1 l*yt0 0011 I) 011 1*0 1*0 1—13- 
26 yards rise. 
Al Rauch.1 011 1—4IJoe Grid.1 0 1 1—4 
‘Dead out of bounds. ISnap (defective cap.) 
Rauch bad some little advantage jo birds, having some “incomers," 
particularly at the 26 yards rise. Griefs were all ‘'drivers” bot a few, 
missed most of them. Ranch shot a BJ- lb., 10-bore Scott & Son; 
Oriel shota 9 lb. 4 oz,, 10 boro made by W. B. Hall, Lancaster, Pa. 
Pointer. 
Ryz, N. Y., Feb. 14th, 1876. 
Editor Forest and Streami- 
Two matches have taken place at this village during the past; week. A 
large number of enthusiastic shots live in and about the town, and tho 
result is that a match has only to be auuuriuccd to bring together large 
crowds. On Saturday, Feb. 6th, Mr. Frank Abbott and Geo. Covers 
shot at double birds for a purse or $511. The snow which covered tho 
ground was glistening, sparkling white, audit was supposed it wonld in¬ 
terfere with the ntarksmeii, and that poor scores would by the result. 
Five pair were to be shot at, 18 yards rise, from traps five feel apart, 80 
yards boundary. Thu match resulted In a victory for Abbott. Tho score i 
was as follows:— 
F. W. Abbott....11 11 11 ll-HCeo: Govers.11 tl 10 10-fi 
Several sweepstake? followed. On Friday, Fob. 11th, 1875, a match; 
for $50 had hoen arranged to take place between Judah Buckley ami Mr. 
Withers. The latter failed to appear nnlrl too lute to shaot the match, 
thinking that It was liable to ruin. The match will take place on Wash-" 
Ington’s birthday, Feb. 22d, 1876, at Beck's Central Hotel. In order to ar- 
ford some amusement, two amateurs were matched against each other to 
shoot at five birds each, 21 yards rise. The ma'ch proved to be a very in¬ 
teresting one, the scores made being as follows:— 
P. Hunt.,11101011011—SliloraceRuss..l 1101 01101 1—8 
Mr. Beck always keens constantly on hand sufficient birds to allow of 
practice or matches at uny time. On the 284 of February there will be 
several mutches shot. Mr. Daniel S. Budd i .Tr.,ls to shoot against a 
gentleman not named, for the snm of $100 during the coming month. 
A SUBSTITUTE FOR BIRDS AT SHOOT¬ 
ING MATCHES. 
Tivoli, N. Y.,Feb., 1876. 
Editor Forest and Stream-'— 
The scarcity of pigeons sometimes makes it necessary for the sports- 
rounio devise means for recreation and practice. - This necessi ty ha 
led ns to invent a trap, which will be found an excellent substitute fo 
live birds. It is made as follows: Take a piece of pmnk two Incbe 
thick, six inches wide, and three feet long. In one ond of this fusten 
stout staple, on the other end hinge a latch, which should be two nnd 
hair feet long; this should have four noichos cut in Hb upper end. The 
make a spring of hickory or ash, pretty stout, snd thiity inches long; 
snail piece of board one foot long and several blocks three iuchei 
square and one thick aud tho apparatus is complete. Fasten the tra; 
firmly to the ground with posts; insert one end of tho spring in the sll 
pie, bend it over the one-foot boaTd and catch it In a uoteb of the latch 
Lay a block on tho spl ine and pull the latch, when the block will b 
thrown iwsnty-five or thirty yards. 
By makiugJivo of these traps anil shoaling matches at twenty-fit 
yards rise, good upon can be hafl. Any one cuu make a trap in t» 
boura. If uny one doubts Ha efficacy let him try it. By cutting it 
block in it curved shape they can be made to twist in the air. and can t 
| thrown in almost any direction. Kku.t. 
