The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-07-01

The NancoUverites have perfected
themselves in rifle practice and have
acquired to a nicely all points that
pertain to shooting at mark, wide
scores Of past few years. They can
hit anything from flock of barns up
wards to objects of any size or num-
Der, but delight above all things in
shooting at target on the Creedmoor
plan. This particular kind of shoot
ing has been the object of their ear
nest endeavors so long, and such has
been the increasing emulation and ri
valry of the officers and soldiers at
this post, that it has become abso-
lutely necessary to prOmulgate orders
limiting the time and opportunities
that each may enjoy on the range, to
the end that none may acquire an UNI
due advantage of his colleague.
Such is the intense desire to try the
machine at odd hours, that officers,
who as a rule, covet that ease of life
lever so becoming to a soldier,) here
vie with each other for chance at
the score, and display an unwonted ac-
tivity that is to say the least of it dis
heartening to the subs. Nor are their
efforts vain. They have, indeed, re-
duced the theory of this subject to
point remarkably fine.
To those unfamiliar with the genus
shOotist it may be well to observe that
he can at once be detected by the pc
cular expression of his eyes, as to
avoid ruftling his nerves he keeps his
mind constantly on some pleasant
subject, such as having his photo
graph taken in the Creedmoor team
and he will not unfrcquently be de-
tected studying attitudes for this pur-
pose. The stranger is enioined above
all things to meet him with that calm
and placid bearing, and that equanim-
ity of temper most conducive to the
perfect equilibrium of the nervous
system. On meeting one of these en-
thusiasts with cigar box under his
arm, avoid above all things the indis-
erection of requesting a cigar; that is
his tool chest; in it he has many rags
and strings, matches and alum, and
all the varied equipment of a marks
man. Tables of wind velocities, and
the time of day at which COW is
likely to cross the range j. not the
least important of his many items.
Here the shootist seldom fails to hit
something, and for this reason his
immediate rear is considered the safe
place for persons unaccustomed to the
theory and flight of proiectiles. For
the convenience of shooters the wind
will blow strictly according to rules
laid down in Laidley's little book,
and everything will move in accord
ance with the principles there enun-
ciated. Every marksman on coming
to the score will be tested with a Their
mometer, and if evidence of undue
excitement exists he will be immed-
ately packed in ice and transferred to
/ the next class. At the coming con-
test it will be presumed that everyone
should make bull's-eyc ut every
shot; anyone falling to do this will
not meet the expectations of his
friends unless such failure i clearly
attributable to one of the causes or
reasons mentioned below; and the
confidence with which an expert will
turn round after scoring a goose egg
and explain his failure with one of
these many reasons, which he has
learned from his little book, only in
dictates how completely he has mas
tered the subject.
To secure uniformity of expression
and to avoid an unnecessary waste of
time, as well As to prevent too heavy
a strain on the sympathy of the by
ISLANDERS, the shootist will simply call
in II clear, but perfectly eXpressionless
tone of voice, the number of his grieV-
ance, and the appropriate crossword
will be taken for granted.
REASONS WHY:
|. Held his breath too long.
,. Didn't hold it long enough.
8. Didn't have any breath TO speak of.
4. Strained it making last bulls
eye. ut really takes a strong breath