212 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[April 8. 1886. 



Jessie. Black and tan bitch, age and pedigree not given, by War- 

 viek Kennels. Bridgeport, Conn , to S- Jordan, same place. 



Quittie. Black, white, tan and ticked beagle hitch, age and pedi- 

 gree unknown, by Warwick Kennel?. Bridgeport, Conn., to William 

 Kussell, same place. 



■Jim. Black, white and tan beagle dog, age and pedigree unknown, 

 b.. Warwick Kennel?, Bridgeport. Conn., to J. Ellis. Milford. < ono. 



Rex Liver and white pointer dog. whelped August. 1884. by Mike 

 out of Lena, by Warwick Kennels, Bridgeport, Conn., to William C. 

 Russell, same place. 



Vic. Liver and white pointer bitch, whelped Aug. 14, 1 f-85, by 

 Fred out of Kan, by Warwick Kennels. Bridgeport. Conn., to J Elli* 

 Uliiford, Conn. 



Dandy. Blue Skye terrier dog. whelped Feb. 15, 1886, bv Joe out 

 of Gyp, by Warwick Kennels, Bridgeport, Conn., to G. W. IT. Powers, 

 same plat e. 



Bessie A. Lemon and white Eugli^n setter bitch, whelped Aug. 10, 

 18-1. by Dashing Lion out of Arminda. bv Memphis & Avent Kennels, 

 Memphis, Tenn , to E E Pray, Denver. Col. 



Lufra Black and tan. little white, collie bitch, whelped .Tune 19, 

 \>M (A.K.R. 2490), by B. Holmes. Jr., Mountaiuville, N. T„ to H. B. 

 Everest, Riverside, Cal. 



Rosie. Lemon and white fox-terrier bitch, whelped August, 1885, 

 by Foxie out of Cute, by 0. H. Dole, Lynn, Mass., to Chas. W. Nut- 

 ting, same place. 



Duke de Foard. Black, white and tan English setter dog, whelped 

 J oi. 1, 1885. by Glen Rock (A K R. 1(516) out of Leah If, by E. W. 

 tester, St. George's, Del., to D. W. Evans. New York. 



Nero— Fanny whelps. Newfoundlands, whelped Feb. 11, 1886, by 

 Warwick K- rnels, Bridgeport. Conn., a black, white on chest, dog to 

 W. J. Hills and a bteek dog to J. Evans, same place. 



Kaiser— Li set I e whelp. Black and tan dachshund dog, whelped 

 November, 1885. bv Won. Loeffler, Preston, Minn., to F. G. Stewart. 

 Hoosiek Falls, N. Y. 



Waldmann It.— Crawl whelp. Red dachshund bitch, whelped De- 

 cember. 1885. by Wm. Loemer, Preston, Minn., to F. G. Stewart, 

 Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 



Gaffa U [A.K.R. 2323)— Floss [A K R. 2457) whelps. Black. Ian and 

 white colli-s, wnelped Nov SI, 1885. by B. Holmes, Jr., Mouutainville, 

 N. Y , a dog to Geo. Rudd, New York, and a bitch to W. A Mitchell, 

 Hatboro, Pa. 



Roy— Princess Trix e (A.K.R. 1092) whelps. Red Irish setter dogs, 

 whelped March 10, 1886, by W. Holberton, Haekensaek, N. J., one to 

 W. D. Chase, same place, and one to E. E. Williams, New York. 



Scottish Queen. Iron gray Skye tc-rrier bitch, whelped Feb. 22, 1885, 

 by ;-cott out of Highland Mary, by Dr. Wm P. Sanderson, Philadel- 

 phia, Pa., to N. Y. Ketchum. Savannah, Ga. 



Chica. Biack, white aud tan English setter bitch, age not given, 

 by Royal Bine out of Diana, by Walter B. Peck, Central Fails. R I., 

 to Wm. Talman, South Attleboro. Mass. 



Betsey D Blue belton English setter bitch, age not given, by Druid 

 of Dodge's Rose, by Walter B. Peck, Central Falls. It. 1 . to Jos. H. 

 Brady. Pawtueket, R. I 



Murdoch Black, white and tau English setter bjtcb, whelped March, 

 1885. by Foreman out of Pet Berwyu, bv Walter B. Peck, Central Falls, 

 R. 1 . to Theodore Rebie. Providence, R. 1. 



Dorcas. Red Irish setter bitch, age not given, by Glenco out of 

 Syren II., by Walter B. Peck, Central Falls, R. I., to Jos. S. Barber, 

 same place. 



Clap. Rul Irish setter dog, whelped Jan. 19, 1885. bv Arlington out 

 of Dorcas, by Walter B. Peck, Central Falls, R. I., to Dr. Stephen F. 

 Lee, Pawtueket, R. I. 



Nettie L-xverack. nlue belton English set ter bitch, whelped June 7, 

 I8S01A.K R.2764), by Henry Sturtevant , Medina, N.Y.. to T. H. Adams. 

 Pawtueket. R. L 



Uatda. Black, white and tan beagle bitch, whelped Nov. 18. 

 18S5, by Little Duke (A.K.R. 1994) out of Mischief (A.K.R. 2592), 

 by Joseph H. Brady. Pawtueket. R. I., to Wm. Taltman, Tarrytown, 

 N. Y. 



Mikado. Black, white and tan beagle dog, whelped Nov. 18, 1885, 

 by L'ttle Duke (A. K R. 1994) out of Mischief (A.K.R. 2592), by T. H. 

 Adams. Pawtueket. R. L, to Wm. Tallman, Tarrytown. N. Y. 



Lola. Black, white aud tan English setter bitch, 6yrs. old, by Rake 

 out st Fannie, by H. E. Hamilton, New York, to A. E. Burch, Wash- 

 ington. D. C. 



Belthus. Blue belton English setter dog, whelped March 17, 1881, 

 by Rock out of Meg. by S. L. Boggs, Pittsburgh, Pa., to H. F. Schell 

 hass, Brooklyn, N. Y. 



PRESENTATIONS. 

 Dash. Black, white and tan Llewelhn setter dog. whelped June 29, 

 1885, by a brother of Morning Star out of Lady Bright, bv T. J. Flack. 

 "V\ asbioglon, D. C, to D. Gilbert Adler, Philadelphia, Pa. 



mtd Jpvr# ^hooting. 



Address all communications to the Forest and Stream Publish* 

 ing Co. j 



OUR MILITIA MARKSMEN. 



ADJT.-GEN. R. C. DRUM, in bis report to Secretary of War Endi- 

 cott for the la.-t official year, accompanies it with a series of 

 report- made by officers of the army detailed during the. past sum- 

 mer and tall to inspect militia encampments in the various States as 

 follows: 



•'Alabama.— At Mobile, by Capt. W. H. Powell, Fourth TJ. S. Infan- 

 try, and First Lieut. C. B. Satteriee. Third 0. S. Artillery. AtMontgo- 

 mt-ry by Second Lieut. J T. Thompson, Second TJ. S. Artillery. 



"Illinois.— Near Ottawa and near Springfield, by Capt. T. Schwan, 

 Eleventh TJ. S Infantry. 



"Maine.— At Augusta, by Major W. H. Graham, Fourth U. S. Artil- 

 lery. 



'■Massachusetts.— At South Framine-ham, by Major A. C. M. Pen- 

 nington and Capt J Egan. Fourth TJ. S. Artillery. At Hiugham 

 near Lake Cheoaco, by Major A. C. M. Pennington, Fourth TJ. 

 Artillery. 



"Minnesota.- At Fairbauit, by Capt. G. Lawson, Twenty fifth TJ, S. 

 Iocanrry. 



"Mississipjji.— At Greenville, by Capt. F. B. Hamilton, Second U. S. 

 Artillery. 



"New Hampshire.— At Concoid by Major R. II. Jackson, Fifth U. S. 

 Artillery. 



••North Carolina.— At Asbeville, by Col. H. M. Black, Twenty-third 

 TJ. s. Infantry. 



"Ohio.— Near Cleveland, by Lieut.-Cul. R, H. Offley, Seventeenth 

 U. S. Infantry. 



"Pennsylvania.— At Harrisburg. by Major W.J. V"lkraar, assistant 

 adjutant general. AtFairmount Park, by Major R. H. Jackson. Fifth 

 U.S. Artillery; Capt. W. Mills, Second TJ. S. Infantry, and First 

 Lieuis. C Chase, W. E. Birkhei..:er and C. B Satteriee, Third U. S. 

 Artillery. 



"Rhode Island.— At Oakland Beach, by Capt. J. S. Egan. Fourth 

 TJ. S. Artillery. 



"Iowa.— At Centerville and Creston, Clear Lake and Dubuque, by 

 Second Lieut. C. J. T. Clarke, Tenth TJ. S. Infantry. 



"Vermont.- At St. Albans, by First Lieut. C. P. Miller. Fourth U. S. 

 Infantry. 



"California — At Santa Cruz, by Major R. T, Frank. First U. S. 

 Artillery. 



"Illinois.— At. CentrevUle, etc., by Second Lieut. C. J. T. Clarke, 

 Tenth V. S. Infantry. 



■•Alabama.— At belma, by Second Lieut. J. T. Thompson, Second 

 U S. Artillery. 



"Nebraska.— At Lincoln, by First Lieut. E. S. Dudley, Second U. S. 

 Artnleiy." 



The repoi t tdf course covers a great many matters of detail not par- 

 ticularly interesting to readers of Forest and Stream, but the re- 

 p Tts and accompanying criiicisms upon the arms and ride practice 

 of several, bodies o£ State troops are worth reproduction in a com- 

 pact lorm. 



Adj. G* n. Drum calls the special attention of the Secretary to the 

 subject in his general report, saying: 



'•1 beg 10 invite your atreniion to the subject of the obsolete arms 

 and ammunition in "the hands of the State militia or stoied in the 

 several State armories. Many of the men are arin»-d with the dis- 

 carded c liber .50 Springfield rided musket, for which it is difficult 

 tj ooiain cartridges, and some of the leser^e ammunition bears the 

 scamp of manufacture in 1871— material now as unreliable as it is 

 cumbersome; and it would seem a most wise measure if, at the ap- 

 proaching session of Congres , a general act was passed providing 

 immediate change, when requested, of all obsolete arms now in the 

 hands of the militia of the several States for improved Springfield 

 titles, caliber .45. and appropriate ammunition therefor. Should 

 Congas, however, not deem it advisable to pass a general act look- 

 ing toyard absolute exchange of obsolete weapons in the hands of 

 tne militia for improved arms and ammunition, I beg earnestly to 

 recommend it to be urged to grant authority for returning to the 

 United States, at a fair valuation, all obsolete guns in hands of States, 

 the money value thereof to be placed to their credit and to be drawn 

 aeamst in form of issue of improved weapons. Until this is done the 

 usefulness of the State militia, in either fetate or national emergency, 

 cjust remain sgrtly impaired by the gffis?* ri'SAdvariJssje ua4er wntoh 

 f-Buffarg,'' 



From Alabama Capt. Powell reports that "a number of the com- 

 panies were supplied with the Springfield safety notch rifle, and these 

 were, as a rule, in excellent order. A majority of t.he companies 

 were, however, armed with the old rifles, model of 1873, and though 

 serviceable, were not in as good condition as they might be. But 

 there is an excuse for this; opportunities do not present themselves 

 to these men for any extra care of arms, almost all the time thattbey 

 can be- spared from their respective professions being consumed iu 

 perfecting their drill." There, was no mention of any rifle practice 

 either at the camp or otherwise. 



The New Hampshire report by Major Jackson says of the arms and 

 their use: "the arms are Springfield breechloaders, caliber .45, with 

 gun slings; the cartridge box is of the orsolete pattern (the insi>)e a 

 block of wood with holes bored in it for the reception of the cartridge). 

 It could not be used to advantage in active service for obvious rea- 

 sons. There was no ammunition for these arms brought to or used 

 during the encampment. Target practice, vbich is now neglected in 

 consequence of the want of ranges and ammunition, should, in mv 

 opinion, be begun at once. I was informed that rigorous efforts are 

 to be made in this direction before the next camping season." 



Mississippi makes 1 ut a poor showing, according to the brief report 

 of Capt. Hamilton, who savs: "All the companies were armed and 

 accoutered by the State. Their arms were the Springfield rifle, cali- 

 ber .45, late model, and the accouterments were ©f the regulation 

 pattern. At-tne inspec'ion many of the guns were found to be some 

 what rusty, but their general condition was tolerably fair. No target 

 practice was attempted, nor drill as skirmi hers.it tiaviugbeen ascer- 

 tained that no attention had ever been paid to these important 

 matters. * 



Minnescta makes a much better showing than the last-named State, 

 and Capt. Lawson says, under head of arms: "Springfield rifle, cali - 

 ber .45. With but few exceptions the euns are old and badly cared 

 for. some having been in use for five years, and have the appearance 

 of having been kept in a dark room or cellar." 



Touching the 2d Regiment Minnesota militia, the same officer says of 

 arms: "Springfield rifle, caliber. 45, aud in most of the companies were 

 in good condition; some, however, had old rifles, which have been in 

 u-e for some years. Two of the Minneapolis companies (A and B) 

 had these guns. It is rather discouraging to a soldier who prides him- 

 self on presenting a good appearance to be armed with such a wea- 

 pon. Target practice was under the direction of Lieutenant (or Doctor) 

 Skinner, the instructor of musketry for the regiment. The Doctor is 

 an enthusiast on the subject, and had everything pertaining to the 

 range iu fine condition. He has a system of signaling from the firing 

 point to the range by means of a mirror set in a frame between the 

 targets at the pit. aud is so arranged that it reflects everything that 

 occurs at the firing point. Some large numbers are painted on can- 

 vas, and are placed in a box at the tiring point. When a shot is fired 

 and there is any delay in marking (he shot, the officer in charge says, 

 "Mark No. — ,' when a man near the box displays a figure that corre- 

 sponds with the target he wishes examined. The number is instantly 

 seen at the pit. and the target turned down, examined, and sienaled. 

 I have seen this system work as far as 500yds . aud it did well. The 

 distance fired was 100, 200. S00 and 500 yards. Five companies and the 

 field, staff and band fired at the same'time. There were 204 mark - 

 men and 32 sharpshooters qualified during the encampment." 



The Pennsylvania report covers much space. Major Volkmar says 

 generally of the arms: 



•T carefully examined the property remaining in the arsenal, and 

 this seems to be a proper place for me to most earnestly invite atten- 

 tion to the wretched stock of obsolete arms and ammunition in the 

 hands of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Armed with the dis- 

 carded caliber .50 Springfield rifled musket, for which it is difficult, 

 if not impossible, to obtain cartridges, I found the State reserve of 

 ammunition matked with the stamp of manufacture in 1871— mater- 

 ial now as unreliable as it is cumbersome. In all other respects well 

 equipped and self-sustaining, this flue division of troops is in a situ 

 at ion little better than if armed with Hubs. It is remarkable how, 

 with such miserable means, thpy have attained the creditable record 

 thev have in target practice. In one rt-giment 1 found a company in 

 which the commanding general assured me that every man was a 

 qualified marksman; while in another company of the same regi- 

 ment I discovered the captain to be a retired colonel of cavalry of the 

 Regular Armv, who had emerged from his well-earned repose", at the 

 call of his neighbors, in order to give them the benefit of bis military 

 experience and knowledge. 



"To be so poorly armed as are these troops would discourage the 

 most hopeful officer of the Regular Army; aud in view of their possi- 

 ble usefulness at any day to the general government, it would seem 

 a most wise measure if, at the approaching session of Congress, a 

 general act was passed providing for immediate exchange, when re- 

 quested, of all obsolete arms now in hands of National Guards of 

 States, for improved Springfield (caliber .45) rifles and appropriate 

 ammunition therefor. 



"I have been informed that at the close of the last fiscal year there 

 were on hand in the United States Ordnance Department upward of 

 125.000 Springfield rifles, caliber .45, and that about 36,000 of these 

 guns are manufactured annually; while on June 30, 1885, over 5 000,- 

 000 calioer .45 rifle ball cartridges were on hand. 



"If, notwithstandins the foregoing exhibit of facilities for replen- 

 ishing the national reserve of ordnance, Congrese should not deem 

 it advisable to pass a general act looking toward absolute exchange 

 of obsolete, weapons in the hands of the militia for improved arms 

 and ammunition, perhaps authotity might be granted tor returning 

 to the United Slates, at a fair valuation, all obsolete guns in hands of 

 States, the money value thereof to be placed to their credit and to 

 be drawn against in form of issue of improved weapons. Until this 

 otherwise efficient National Guard of Pennsylvania is better armed 

 than it is now, its usefulness in either State or national emergency 

 must remain sadly impaired by the great disadvantage under which 

 it suffers." 



For North Carolina Col. Black reports and says: "Tbey are armed 

 with Springfield rifles, caliber .45, safety notch, which are in good 

 condition, highly prized, and ready for any service They have 2,000 

 rifles, with full sets of accouterments for the same. There was no 

 target practice during the encampment. L'ttle or none this year. 

 Regulations provide, and they hope to indulge during the coming 

 year." 



The Rhode Island militia were inspected by Capt. Egan, and he re- 

 ports: "There was no target practice. There was no range or time 

 for it; nor is a brigade encampment of a few days, where the move- 

 ments and combinations of large bodies of troops should be of the 

 first cjnsideration, the place for it. Though its importance is 

 thoroughly realized, the brigade is behind other States in shooting. 

 It had to be neglected (reason, no money to pay its expense); but last 

 year $2,500 wss appropriated for target practice, a State rantre was 

 established, and all the companies, under the instruction of Capt. 

 Howe, an expeiienced Creedmoor sharpshooter, had one day's prac- 

 tice, each man firing five shots. This year the same or more practice 

 will be had, and gallery practice introduced. Tne muskets were re- 

 ceived last year, are the latest improved ones, and are all in good 

 condition." 



The Massachusetts troop went into camp at several points. At 

 South Framiughatn Maj. Pennington found the First Brigade, and of 



it he says: 



"Target practice received no attention in the camp of this brigade, 

 except tbat the officers of one of the regiments were permitted to 

 practice at their own request. There is a fine 200yds. range, with 

 twelve iron targets, near the camp; but, inasmuch as the companies 

 have ample opportunities for practice at home stations (the law re- 

 quiring the towns where companies are located to provide a suitable 

 range), it wa< not regarded as important that tune should be taken 

 from other duties for this purpose. Target practice receives con- 

 siderable attention in the nulttia of this State, as is attested by the 

 large number of marksmen's and other badges worn by members of 

 the commands. A Stale "inspector of rifle practice' has charge of 

 this brunch of military instruction, and teams from the various com- 

 mands assemble at certain times and places designated in orders for 

 practice and competition. The infantry is armed with Springfield 

 rifled muskets, caliber .45, and arms are in good serviceable con 

 dition." 



At the Lake Chebaco camp Maj. Pennington found: 



'•Target practice was indulged in every day until the whole com- 

 mand had been at the range and each mau had fired his score." 



In Vermont Lieut. Miller does not find things iu a very encouraging 

 way. He reports: 



"The arms were of the old .50 caliber, Springfield pattern, some of 

 the first that were altered from the muzzle to the breechloader. The 

 cartridge boxes and belts were also of a very old pattern. I under- 

 stand that the companies have only one or two rifle ranges that they 

 can use. Target practice appears to be almost entirely neglected in 

 rhis State, and a large maoority of its National Guard know little or 

 nothing about the actual use of the guns with which they are armed. 

 We may feel assured that if the State will provide her troops with 

 good arms and ammunition for target practice, it will take, this class 

 of men but a short time to become good shots, In my judgment the 

 usefulness of the Guard would be promoted if tbey were armed with 

 the present service rifle, caliber 45. The National Guard of Vermont, 

 in recognition of their zeal and efficiency, should he furnished with 

 guns and equipments that they could feel would be of some use to 

 them in service, and they should be taught to u=e them effectively. 

 One day should be devoted to target practice; and to excite an inter- 

 est and a spirit of emulation among the companies, prizes should be 

 offered for teams of ten men from each company; also for individual 

 matches. Ammunition should be provided, and each man of the 

 National Guard teauired to fire a certain number of rounds eatib. 

 Team With ttas fsicCTi/a^ wpuld stoop provuie 



themselves with ranges and the target practice and matches' would 

 he a useful feature of the muster. 



Ohio men come in for inspection bv Col. Offley, who simply says- 

 "The arms used by the Ohio National Guard are Springfield rifles, 

 caliber .45, the same as used in the United States army." 



In Maine Major Graham found much to report upon. He found 

 that "On the lower or southwest end of the encampment was the 

 target practice ground, giving a range of 200yds. one way and of 

 400yds. the other. At the lower end of the 200yds. range an epaule- 

 ment has been constructed in front of a high embankment, and serves 

 an excellent purpose for instructing men in firing along the crest of 

 an enemy's earthwork, as well as for the protection of the markers." 

 The troops were armed with the Springfield .45 " Of the target prac- 

 tice drills he reports: "This most important branch of instruction 

 was very thoroughlv conducted by Col. E. C. Farrington, State in- 

 spector of rifle practice. Under his personal supervision competi- 

 tion took place each day of the encampmen', to which I was a most 

 interested spectator. The results, I consider, demonstrate a high de- 

 gree of proficiency, alike most creditable to tbe inspector and the 

 officers and men under his command. The instructions contained in 

 'Blunt's Rifle and Carbine Firing' have been adopted by these troops, 

 and were followed as closely as could be expected. The militia speak 

 iu the highest terms of Blunt's book in every respect, and bave 

 adopted his rules for classification, which raises the standard reached 

 by the Maine Volunteer Militia in target firing above that attained bv 

 the militia of any other State. There is every reason for holding out 

 inducements to this fine bodv of marksmen to send teams to compete 

 at Creedmoor, and it is to be hoped that the State authorities will 

 not delay taking steps to tbat end." 



The Illinois soldiers were inspected by Capt. Schwan. who reports 

 of the First Brigade: "The infantry regiments were all armed with 

 .45 caliber Springfield rifles. In the 4th Infantry live of the seven 

 companies, and in the 3d lnfantiy about one-half of the men had 

 rifles unprovided with the safety notch or improved rear sight. The 

 cavalry battalion was armed with the' United States Springfield car- 

 bine, caliber .45, with safety notch and new sight. There was no for- 

 mal inspection. Great interest was manifested in target practice, in 

 which this brisade. engaged for the first time. The only firing points 

 were on the north side, and quite close to the edge of the 'Rock,' 

 scarcely a quarter of a mile from camp, and about 300yds. to the 

 northward were placed five vertically sliding targets, constructed 

 after the Brin ton pattern. The Illinois and Michigan Canal was im- 

 mediately in front and the Rock Island Railroad closely in rear of the 

 targets, the centers of which were only about 8yds. apart; a high 

 bluff north of the road formed an effective butt. The markers" shel- 

 ters, though well built, were not continuous, owing to the shortness 

 of the time during which the range was expected" to be in use. and 

 the amount of labor which would have been required to make them 

 so. Lookouts were posted at elevated points at the sides of the range 

 to give notice to tbe markers of the approach of canal boats or rail 

 way trains, and to warn off passers by. A more extensive range, or 

 one affording iufermediate firing points, was not obtainable within a 

 convenient distance from camp. The erection of at least one pole, 

 near the targets, flying a streamer to indicate the direction and 

 strength of the wind, might have added to the success of the prac- 

 tice. The place on the 'Rock' from which tne firing was done was 

 considerably above the level of the ground on which the targets 

 stood, but this could not be avoided. The piactice, which lasted four 

 days, passed off without accident, and was wel' conducted by Col. 

 J, A. Shaffer, general inspector of rifle practice, a very capable offi- 

 cer, wbo was most assiduous in his labors. The firing was done by 

 details, forty men from each regiment belonging to different compa- 

 nies being on tbe ground at the same time, under the immediate 

 supervision of the regimental inspector of rifle practice, who has the 

 rank of captain, and is a member of the regimental staff. The meu 

 not having bad any previous experience, Col. Shaffer thought it best, 

 in order not to discourage them at the beginning, to allow to each a 

 sighting: shot, and to permit tbe prone instead of insisting upon the 

 prescribed sitting or kneeling position. For the same reason the 

 mid -range in place of the short-range target was used. The average 

 number of points made by each regiment, out of a possible 25, was 

 as follows: 4th Infantry 10.81, 3d Infantry 10 51, 1st Infantry 9.39, 

 and 1st Cavalry 5.88." 

 About the Second Brigade Capt. Schwan says; 



"The infantry was armed with 45-eal. Springfield breechloading 

 rifles, about one-third of them having the improved rear sight and 

 safety notch. In some instances pieces of both kinds were found in 

 the. same company. The target practice was under the direction of 

 Col. J. A. Shaffer, general inspector of rifle practice, and Lieut.-Ccl. 

 James M. Rice, inspector of rifle practice of the brigade, and no more 

 earnest or capable officers could have been chosen for this important 

 duty. The rifle range, which had been selected by Col. Rice, lay out- 

 side of the inclosure in which the camp was si'uated, and was less 

 than a mile distant from it. The targets, of which there were seven 

 —two of the Brinton pattern and the others revolving on a horizontal 

 axis— were iu fine, about 8yds. apart, and youth of the firing points, 

 which were established at 200 and 500yds. from them. There was to 

 firing except from these two distances. Paper targets, nearly corres- 

 ponding in size and the divisions on them to Army targets A and B, 

 respectively, were pasted upon the canvas stretched over the frames, 

 according as firing was done from the shorter or longer distance. 

 The targets were nearly on the same level with the 200yds. filing 

 points; the 500yds. firing points were somewhat above tne level of 

 the targets. The markers' shelters were not continuous, and a rail- 

 road embankment 13ft. high, closely in rear of them, formed a not 

 very reliable butt. The latter was not, however, wholly depended 

 upon for security to passers by, for behiud it were unoccupied fields 

 nearly l,5C0vds. in depth, and lookouts were established at suitable 

 points, with* orders to caution the markers should they see persons or 

 animals approach these fields. Communication bet ween the firing 

 points and the markers' shelters was kept up by means of the tele- 

 phone, and as every new detail of soldiers w ould have had to be in- 

 structed in marking, this was done by persons hired for the purpose. 



'•The rule requiring the firing to be done off-hand or standing at 

 200yds. and lying down at 500yds. was conformed to. The prevailing 

 army position at the longer ranges known as the 'Texas grip' found 

 favor with Col. Rice, to whom it was explained, and who secured 80 

 per cent, on first trying it. 



••The following rules determine the classification of officers and 

 men: Included in the marksman's class were those who made 33 or 

 more points out of a possible lia in a score of 5 shots at 500yds. For 

 the fbst class at least 13 points, or 52 per cent., at 200yds. were re- 

 quired Those who fired at either rauge but failed to qualify for 

 either of the classes named constituted ihe third, and those not firing 

 at all, whether present or absent, the fourth class. The majority of 

 those reported as belonging to the latter class were absent from 

 camp. There seemed to oe no second class. 



' ihe regimental figure of merit was thus determined: Multiply ihe 

 numner of marksmen by 100, of first class men by 60, of third-class 

 men by 10, of fourth class men by 0, and divide the sum of the pro- 

 ducts uy the number of men contained in all tbe classes. 



* The general results of the firing during the encampment are indi- 

 cated by the figures of merit of the several regiments, whicn wete as 

 follows': 6'h Infantry, 23,80; 9th Infantry, 22 SO; Sth Infantry, 22.43; 

 5th Infantry, 21; 7th Infantry, 15. The entire brigade's figure of 

 merit was 21 11. 



' As showing the progress made in rifle firing, it may be stated that 

 at lait year's encampment but 22 qualified as marksmen, while this 

 year more than five time that number (.113) made the requisite quali- 

 fying sccres. 



"1 heartily concur with Col. Rice in his recommendation that since 

 a thorough instruction in sighting, position and aiming drills and 

 gallery practice is an indispensable prerequisite to fcood work on the 

 range, the month of June be exclusively devoted to these preliminary 

 drills at the armories, and that regimental and company commanders 

 be impressed with the fact that instruction iu rifle ft) ing is at least as 

 important a part of the soldier's education as tactical instruction, 

 and that tbey are as much responsible for the one as for tbe other." 



Lieut Thompson reports from the Montgomery camp of the Ala- 

 bama troops, 3d Regiment: "The importance of rifle practice seems 

 to be realized ; but practice is impossible without ammunition, f r the 

 purchase of which the State makes no appropriation. By reloading 

 the shells, tbe cost of practice is reduced to a sum which cannot be 

 complained of in consideration of the benefits derived Gallery prac- 

 tice with reduced charges and ranges could bo had at. the company 

 armo> ies during the winter mouths. Besides, this piactice would add 

 much to the interest and attractiveness of tbe service if it were prop- 

 erly conducted. 



••By strategy the soldier is brought to the vicinity of a fight: by the 

 maneuver tactics he is placed up tbe line of battle; and by skirmish 

 tactics he is put in the exact position to do good work But of what 

 benefit is all this if, after getting there, he is unable to use his rifle 

 with precision and rapidity S At the next encampment I would 

 recommend that a competent officer interested in the subject be de- 

 tailed on special duty in charge of rifle practice. Every man should 

 be practiced in the tneory. pointing, aiming, and estimating distance 

 drills. If possible, a competition anirng teams selected from the best 

 shots in each company should be held. 



"The regiment is already armed with the Springfield rifle, caliber 

 .45. which is satisfactory in every respert. A certain number of 

 rounds of ammunition should be issued to each company, to be kept 

 on band for emergencies. I would also suggest the necesshy on the 

 part of the State of making a suitable appropriation so that each, 

 officer and man could be allowed to expedd Qfiy cartridges, at least, 

 in rifle practice during oarap." 



The C&liToroii report is made oy Major F?auV. and he found attho 

 S^ale Qfiu camp: '"T)b.eir amps; »r« toe SpJisgqeV rifVa? rpysket. 



