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inspiration, and the gradual increase of the squeeze of the trigger finger and thumb are thus learned.
This co-ordination is at first rapidly fatiguing, but it is rapidly learned, and the fatigue disappears.
The above is a record of the movement of the rifle, which is obtained by attaching a quill
to the muzzle, and making the quill scrape on a smoked paper, moving rapidly on a rotating drum.
The small wavy indulations K-L represent unsteady oscillation of the rifle from anxiety and consequent
fatigue, the large waves C D represent respiratory movements transmitted from the shoulder
and chest to the rifle.
Diagram VII.
Passing out from the recruit stage the alignment and pull-off is correct in the next tracing, but
the boy does not yet hold his breath at the right position; holding it here midway between expiration
and inspiration.
There are some tracings from boys who, being marksmen, had fired as many as thirty shots
without showing a trace of unsteadiness or fatigue.
Diagram VIII.
Fatigue shows itself at once in the tracings here In a skilled boy minute oscillations show
and at the pull-off there is an upward jerk of the rifle.
Diagram IX.
The amount of work done in firing seven rounds from a War Office pattern light rifle is probably
some 120 poundals. There is a good deal of exercise in co-ordinating the various muscles.
The rifle is supported by the left hand, forearm and elbow; these with the right arm and the butt
against the chest form a steady tripod. To get the rifle to " present" about 8 foot poundals are
necessary. To accommodate the rifle to the schoolboys, Dr. Hanson has had the butt cut down so that
there is only a length of 12 inches instead of 14 inches between the trigger and heelplate. The
work done by the trigger hand is on the average about equal to that in raising the rifle to present.
Unless watched, a recruit in his early stages now and then perspires profusely and becomes breathless
in his strained effort to let go at the proper moment, but without practice he is unable to
co-ordinate alignment of the sights, breathing and pull-off. The amount of work is trivial compared
with the out of school work of the boy carrying milk, or even fetching coals or water. The movements
themselves of presenting and aiming are more highly specialised and educational than anything
at present taught in school, meaning the training and co-ordination to very high perfection of a
large number of nerve centres and muscular masses. The result of the shot ending in a bull's eye
affords greater educational perfection and finish than in anything else that boys of 12 can be
expected to do usefully. The effects of any excess lends itself to immediate demonstration. The
result of even a single cigarette could no doubt be made evident at once in the tracing on the
smoked paper. For these reasons as well as its highly moral influence, rifle shooting seems one of
the best educational subjects for boys from the age of twelve and upwards, and is free from any
unduly fatiguing effects.
COUNTRY HOMES.
One unknown factor in the estimation of vital statistics has been the extent of reduction in
the child population from migration during the summer holiday. Reference to this movement of
population has often been made, but its extent has been a matter of conjecture. To form a more
accurate estimate a census was taken immediately after the summer holiday of 1906. This census
was based on enquiry made by Dr. Thomas, the local medical officers and teachers. Particulars
were obtained from all but the youngest children as to the time and locality in which holiday
visits had been made. The number of agencies at work is considerable. The Children's Country