15. The effect of the wind upon the trajectory and the allowance to be made therefor are most troublesome questions for the marksman. Inasmuch as the wind is continually changing in intensity and direction, it is almost im possible to make tables of allowances for it. The best skill and judgment of the marksman are brought into play when firing in mountain districts, where there are many cross-currents with which to contend. All winds, except to ward the target, retard the bullet and render a higher elevation necessary. A wind from the rear helps the bullet and tends to high shooting. Experience has shown it necessary to alter the wind-guage twelve or more feet between two consecutive shots over a range of t,000 yards, in order to make a bull's eye each time when the wind was too high or variable. The inclination is generally to under-estimate for wind allowance, nearly every one disliking to aim far away from the target.
I believe that any one with a good'iniml and clear sight, possessing nerve. coolness, and a quick connection between will and finger, can, by practice and endeavors to correct the inaccuracies pointed out, do g,00d shooting-. The men in our service are anxious to learn how to shoot well, and in the majority of cases are very apt scholars. It is only necessary that the officers teach them the practical correction of errors, which they are to investigate theoretically. In Busk's "Hand-book for Hythe" it is stated that "one hour a day of private practice in aiming drill will, in a few weeks, make a man a first-class shot." I believe this, for the position and the aiming drills consti tute the very foundation of any system of practice. It is an absurd mistake in our service to have recruits fire off-hand at a target one hundred yards distant when they scarcely know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun, and cannot hit a barn-door thirty paces distant with either.
Having thoroughly mastered the principles of aiming, experience only can teach the best positions under various conditions and circumstances. The regu latiop position, "firing standing,- is generally preferred. Many find 'an easier and firmer position by bringing the left shoulder well to the front, and resting the rifle over the lower part of the left thumb. The advantage of this posi tion is that it brings the left elbow directly under the barrel without any strain on the muscles. Its disadvantage is that, in a side wind, the body is apt to sway sideways, which must be avoided by placing the feet further apart. The Hythe School directs that the rifle be pressed ag,ainst the shoulder with the, left hand, the right holding the stock lightly; but most marksmen prefer while grasping the barrel firmly with the left hand, so as to keep it steady, to hold it well against the shoulder with the right. In all cases, it will be found that the pull-off of the trigger will be lightened by, a firm grip with the right thumb. The standing position depends so much on the ptrsonal equation of the marksman as to prevent that extreme nicety of aim required in long rang-e firing. It also renders the rifleman liable to be swerved by the wind, and
offers the enemy a better target. Kneeling is open to the same objection, but: to a:less extent. In the English army, when the fire is in two ranks, the front: rank kneel, not only to obtain a steadier position, but to get them out of the. way of the rear rank, and thus secure a more rapid and accurate fire. The: favorite position for long-range firing, particularly with a military rifle, is, that of the Skirmisher Lying. In taking, this position, the legs should be well separated, the toes being turned outward, so as to cause the body to hug the ground as closely; as possible. The left elbow should be kept almost straight ' under the rifle (if placed too far to the left. it strains the wrist), and the barrel grasped firmly with the left band. The right elbow should be placed a little: to the right. To prevent the elbows separating, as they are naturally inclined to. do on hard ground, a depression may be made in the ground with the heel of the boot, or something soft placed under them. The hips should be twisted' to the left, and the right shoulder well raised, to keep the collar-bone out of the way and afford a firm seat for the rifle butt, which must be held closely against it. Many of the best shots at Crecdmoor and Wimbledon shoot, ly ing on their backs. Some lie slightly on the right side, resting the rifle barrel over the left leg, the left hand grasping the piece at the small of the stock, and pressing it against the shoulder. In this position, the distance of the rear sight from the eye requires a larger aperture than usual. The following is a favorite back position. The marksman lies on his back, his legs crossed, the left leg under the right knee, and firmly held by the right calf, the muzzle of the rifle resting in the crotch between the knees. The left arm is placed be hind the head, the hand firmly grasping the butt of the rifle, the back of the head resting on the left forearm, and the right cheek touching the side of the butt. The right hand holds the small of the stock with a frm grasp, the elbow resting on the ground. In this position, not only the piece, but the entire per son of the shooter is perfectly supported, and absolute steadiness is secured. Gildersleeve, Coleman, and other Americans have adopted this position, and Sir Henry Halford and others at Wimbledon concede its advantages. It is doubtful whether any advantage is gained by lying on the back, in shooting with military rifles. The position, Face Downwards, is certainly preferable for military reasons, enabling the soldier t) rapidly advance or retreat, to shelter himself behind cover or to entrench himself. Whether the ritletnan shoots standing, kneeling, sitting, or lying, after having once tested and become satis fied as to the position best suited to himself, he should practice it until it be .comes perfectly natural and easy.