HOW TO SELECT A RANGE.
This important work is generally left to a committee appointed by the presi dent. In selecting, a range, endeavor to find:a level tract of land for the purpose. Avoid places where there are ravines or gullies, as they create strong currents of air. A space cut through the woods makes the range favorable for shooting. Choose a place which will permit placing the targets at the north, and endeavor to find a location where a natural backing of earth to the targ,ets can be secured. It is desirable to have the firing points for the different distances side by side. Measure the distances accurately with a steel tape measuring line and stake them off. If the land is level, dig a pit deep enough to completely shelter the marker when he stands erect in it ; if the land is not level, or is too wet to use a pit, build a butt or shelter, which should be not less than five feet deep, of solid earth at the top. Build up both sides of the inside of the pit or shelter with logs or stone work. Use paper targets only; they are the safest and best. Arrange the targets thus: Build a frame a little larger than the target. Tack over the frame some thin. strong cloth, drawn tight ; paste the target on this cloth. This mounted target should be fitted into another frame or sash, wohich is erected back and over the pit or to one side of the butt or shelter; then the target can be raised and lowered like a window by the marker in the pit or drawn behind the shelter.
When absolute safety is secured the firing can begin. There are a number of ways to mark the shots. The following are suggested: T. The marker has a long pole, on the end of which is a round disc about 6 inches in diameter, one side of the disc being painted white, thc other black. When the shot strikes the target the marker places the disc over the shot hole, showing the white side when in the bull's-eye, black if outside. then displays a card having the count in figures on it. The target is then pulled into the pit, the shot-hole pasted, after which thc target is returned to its exposed place.
2. Another plan is to employ a wooden plug with a card disc attached. After the shot, the target is pulled to the pit, the plug is placed in the shot-hole, the itarget raised for another shot, and the value of the shot signalled by a hand pointing to figures. The marksman at the firing point, by aid of a telescope and disc, readily sees the exact location of the shot. After the second shot is fired the first hole is pasted, and the plug transferred to the second shot-hole.