THE VOLUNTEER'S VADE MECUM.
(Bisley Edition.)
Question. What is the ambition of every rifleman?
Answer. To become an expert marksman.
Q. How is this to be done?
A. By practice at the regimental butts (where such accommodation exists), and appearing at Bisley.
Q. Is the new site of the National Rifle Association better than the last?
A. Certainly, for those who come to Bisley intend to shoot.
Q. But did any one turn up at Wimbledon for any purpose other than marksmanship?
A. Yes, for many of those who occupied the tents used their marquees merely as a suitable resting-place for light refreshments.
Q. Is there anything of that kind at Bisley?
A. Not much, as the nearest place of interest is a crematorium, and the most beautiful grounds in the neighbourhood belong to a cemetery.
Q. Then the business of Bisley is shooting?
A. Distinctly. Without the rifle, the place would be as melancholy as its companion spot, Woking.
Q. In this place of useful work, what is the first object of the marksman?
A. To score heavily, if possible; but, at any rate, to score.
Q. Is it necessary to appear in uniform?
A. That depends upon the regulations commanding the prize competitions.
Q. What is uniform?
A. As much or as little of the dress of a corps that a judge will order a marksman to adopt.
Q. If some marksmen were paraded with their own corps, how would they look?
A. They would appear to be a sorry sight.
Q. Why would they appear to be a sorry sight?
A. Because over a tunic would appear a straw hat, and under a pouch-belt fancy tweed trousers.
Q. But surely if the Volunteers are anxious to improve themselves they will practise "smartness"?
A. But they do not want to promote smartness; they want to win cups, or the value of cups.
Q. What is the greatest reward that a marksman can obtain?
A. Some hundreds of pounds.
Q. And the smallest?
A. A dozen of somebody's champagne, or a box of someone else's soap.
Q. Under all the circumstances of the case, what would be an appropriate rule for Bisley?
A. Look after the cup-winning, and everything else will take care of itself.