To those who do not possess a regulation iron target, I would recommend one similar to that which I have sometimes used. (_Vide_ diagram.) This target is made of a simple framework of wood, covered with canvas and layers of paper pasted thereon. It has the double advantage of having the Martini-Smith target in the centre, and the remaining portion, having the exact size of a man traced thereon, has one other advantage in at once showing the result of the practice. This target can be used over and over again, as, after use, the perforations can be pasted over with small pieces of paper, and when well riddled, it can be re-covered; and the thicker it becomes the better. No one should attempt to fire ball-cartridge anywhere but at a proper range. Firing in small back-gardens, against brick or stone walls and trunks of trees, should never be allowed. Bullets will rebound or go off at a tangent, and do serious mischief. When a bullet once leaves the muzzle of a rifle, pistol, or revolver, by the evolution of gunpowder-gas, there is no dependence upon it as to where it may stop, or what damage it may do, and bullets upon hitting hard ground will ricochet; therefore, to those who wish to enjoy security at practice, I would advise the selection of ground free from habitation, or where no people are at work--some secluded spot where there is ample range, and, if possible, a natural hill or mound to receive the bullets. The military revolver will kill at 300 yards, the Snider artillery carbine at 1800 yards, and the Martini-Henry rifle at 3000 yards.[B] Too much dependence upon the use of the slide of the back-sight for elevation in rifle practice should be deprecated for more than one reason: _e.g._, assuming that a man has been firing at 300 yards with his back-sight adjusted to that range, and he is suddenly ordered to advance at the double; if, at the spur of the moment, he neglects to reduce his sight, the result will follow that every shot will go over the enemy. It is simply idle to suppose for one moment that in the heat of action a soldier could afford to fritter away valuable time, or even be allowed to do so, in adjusting back-sights. He would, if he were properly instructed, when within 300 yards place his back-sight level, and rely upon his own skill in judging what elevation he should use. It is better to fire low than high. A low shot will usually ricochet, particularly upon striking hard ground, greensward, or a wet clay soil, and, consequently, will do damage. Very nearly two thirds of the bullets in action are lost by going over the heads of the enemy.