such as is or was kept for this purpose in town at the shooting-galleries, and fixing his pistol firmly in it, discharge it several times, with the same charge of powder, at the same object or point, marking carefully how the balls fall.

In the best pistols the dispart will occasion a variation of half an inch in a distance of twelve or fifteen yards, and in some it is two or three inches. Allowance must always be made for this irregularity in taking aim, raising the muzzle to the extent of the fall by gravity; and when the dispart is once correctly ascertained, this is easily done. The flatness of the trajectory, or its deviation from the point aimed at, depends upon the construction of the barrel, etc., points of the Science of Musketry which we need not

this expression is "hyperbolical;" but the extreme accuracy of the ancients with the sling is well known. Numerous examples are given in the Bible, as that of the duel between David and Goliath. Ancient writers enlarge on the proficiency of the natives of the Balearic Islands, with their slings. "They threw large stones with such violence that they seemed to be projected from some machine, so that no helmet or armour could resist their stroke, and with such exactness as rarely to miss their aim -being constantly exercised from their infancy, their mothers not allowing them to have any food until they struck it down from the top of a pole with stones thrown from their slings." The sling was very common in Greece, and was used by their light infantry. Arrows, stones, and leaden plummets were thrown from them, some of which weighed not much less than a pound. Seneca says that their motion was so violent that the leaden plummets were frequently melted-which does seem rather "hyperbolical."

here discuss beyond the practical bearings of the

matter.

Many a case of duelling pistols, as before mentioned, has had a history attached to it—of terrible execution done in its day. In the West Indies crack pistols used to be as much in vogue as crack shots, and the fortunate owner found himself constantly beset for the loan of them, which being prohibited by law, he would refuse to lend them, adding-" But if you steal them I can't help it,"-pointing to the case on the table. Of course they were "stolen" accordingly, finding their way back after the day's execution. I have seen a pair of duelling pistols which had the credit of having sent twenty-five gentlemen to "their long account," and finally the owner!

74

CHAPTER IV.

METHOD OF PRACTICE FOR DUELLING-POSITION CHANCES OF BEING KILLED

OF FIRING-THE

IN A DUEL.

THE art of handling fire-arms should always be considered a very necessary branch of the education of a youth, as enabling him, when shooting, to use his gun without risking his own life, or endangering the lives of those near him; and also that, in the event of his being placed, by any unforeseen circumstance, in a situation of peril, he may feel a proper confidence in himself, and not embolden his antagonist by appearing to want nerve or science. The Germans and Americans are very careful that their youths should be instructed how to handle the rifle and musket; and during the war with the Americans, it is well known that our regiments suffered severely from their extraordinary proficiency as marksmen. No doubt the great Volunteer movement has tended immensely to familiarize our

youth with the use of the rifle, so that, should the necessity ever arise, the sons of England will be able to give a good account of any invaders of our sacred soil. Whether pistol-practice should be encouraged and promoted may be a different question, with reference to the well-founded objection to duelling; but, still, occasions may occur in which dexterity in the use of the pistol will be of the greatest advantage. All the French cavalry are provided with pistols, and they are systematically taught how to use them. FieldMarshal Radetzky said that all cavalry should be furnished with pistols, because a fire-arm is often of great service to a horseman for personal defence; and that excellent authority, Dr. Russell, the well-known Crimean correspondent, was of the same opinion, and gave good advice how revolvers were to be carried.

Therefore, for legitimate self-defence, pistol-firing should be taught and practised, even should it never be contemplated that a young man may be placed in the situation described in the following narrative:

"Early one fine morning, while cantering over the downs on the Rottingdean side of Brighton, enjoying heartily the fresh southern breeze that gently swept the blue waters beneath me, I observed a small group of persons assembled, who, upon nearer approach, appeared to be adjusting an affair of honour.

"Urged, partly by curiosity and partly by the desire of rendering assistance in case of necessity, I rode towards them, and found the combatants-two young

men, one apparently a naval officer-on the point of leeching.*

"In a few seconds they were stationed-a few more, and the jar of' cocking' fell on my ear-a sound that at other times would scarcely be noticed, but which, on occasions like the present, while all around wait in breathless expectancy, and observe the most death-like silence, produces a magical effect.

"I carefully surveyed their countenances and position. The sailor, who appeared the elder of the two, seemed as cool and collected, as if engaged only in an ordinary affair of duty; not a muscle or expression portrayed the least sign of fear. He stood in a firm, steady position, his right side only opposed to his adversary, and raised his hand with a most extraordinary degree of nerve, covering well his right breast with the muscular part of his right arm.

“The other, on the contrary, appeared much agitated, looked ghastly pale; had evidently enjoyed little sleep the preceding night; stood with nearly a whole front exposed; and raised his trembling hand so awkwardly, that any one would have suspected he had never fired a pistol before.

"Upon the suspension of the handkerchief-the sign in duelling-those present (the seconds, a surgeon, and servants) removed nearly thirty yards from the principals. After a momentary pause the hand

* Leeching is the duelling term for stepping up to the spot whence you fire.