RIFLE CLUBS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "spacTaToan Sin,—I was much interested in the letter by " X." on the subject of rifle clubs in the Spectator of August 11th, and congratulate him on his efforts in forming a little corps of his own. I hope he will not think it invidious on my part if I make one or two suggestions. My desire since I have taken a rifle in my hand has been to see the day when a huge free- masonry of marksmen should extend throughout the country. Every man has as much claim to practise at a proper range (if he will contribute to its support) as he has to ride on the high road, as long as no injury or inconvenience results to his fellow-men. Though I have never used the Morris tube, I have no doubt of its value up to a certain point; but the diffi- culty of making accurate wind allowance when shooting at long range seems to me to make long-range shooting infinitely superior. Therefore, when the short-range tyro has any opportunity to shoot at a proper range, he should take ad- vantage of it at once, and it should be the aim of every one in authority to encourage him. There are many -diffi- culties in the way, no doubt. Some say that the rifle clubs will be composed of those who would shirk the Volunteer drills from pure idleness. But any man who wants to learn to shoot without wishing to wear a conspicuous uniform should have his chance. In a former letter I ventured to suggest that the noble army of pigeon shooters might advantageously devote some of their surplus time and money to rifle ranges. And when so great an interest is manifested in inter-county cricket and football, why should there not be equally frequent and interesting inter-county and inter-club competitions in rifle-shooting ?—Hoping to hear of the further progress -of " X's" efforts, I am, Sir, &c., E. Uawiefr, Hon. Member 1st V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment.
P.S.—The recent experience of bad weather in camp should result in the improvement of tents, to make them gale-proof.
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