88 
SHORT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
The following are the general principles:— 
Planted in the ground a little to the front of the butt, out of the line of fire, is 
a pole with a socket in which a lighter pole is swung, kept erect by means of 
weights, but easily pulled down into a horizontal position by a cord attached to the 
top, running along the range to the firing party. On this lighter pole, a red square 
is stretched, composed either of bunting or painted tin, perforated with holes, in 
case of wind. This red square is at right angles to the range, and can be seen at 
a very great distance. A small bell is attached to the pole, which rings when the 
firing party either pull down the pole or let it up again. The end of the cord is 
made fast, when the pole is pulled down into a horizontal position, to a small cleat 
provided for the purpose; and when in this position no red disc can be seen, and 
firing may be carried on. On letting go the running end of the cord, the weights 
bring the pole into a vertical position again; the red square is seen all over the 
range, and firing is suspended. An exactly similar pole is planted in the ground 
close to the firing party, and the running end of the cord is in the butt. Being 
very light, this pole is carried up and down the range by the firing party, to the 
various distances from which the shooting is to be carried on. 
The following rude sketch will give an idea of the mechanical details of an 
invention which will probably soon be extensively used. Pending the introduc¬ 
tion of further improvements, Captain Lysons has obtained provisional protection 
for his discovery, but he aims more at increased simplicity than at elaborate detail. 
A, red square; either bunting in a frame, or painted tin, perforated so as to offer little resistance 
to the wind. 
J3, swinging pole. 
C, stationary pole, which is planted in the ground by means of a forked foot, and can be 
carried to any part of the range, and planted in the ground by one man. 
