mind that a robust frame and strong constitution are essential to the efficiency of the soldier; and wanting these physical requisites, the best shot would soon become incapacitated, and consequently an incumbrance to the service.
In some districts, the subscriptions raised for the general expenses of the volunteer corps are allowed to extend to aid the equipment of men of insufficient means to provide for themselves. This will have a most beneficial effect; for such men will mostly be of a hardy class and accustomed to muscular activity or out-door occupations; they will be selected because they possess the proper qualifications; and many of them subsequently, with all their military acquirements, may join the established army. In proportion as this system shall be extended, will the advantages resulting from the volunteer system be increased.
Another very beneficial effect might be produced—and will probably arise out of the spirit of the rifle corps—in the establishment of rifle clubs for the practice of rifle-shooting as a recreation, with other out-door sports and games; more especially if these can be encouraged, so as to become general among that class of young men from which recruits are obtained for the army. Whatever may have been said against too much faith being placed in good marksmen, as the only essential attribute for our defenders, most indisputably that army which, equally well regulated in other points, shall be much superior generally in the art of rifle-shooting, will have an enormous advantage over its opponent; and even in a greater degree than is usually supposed.
There is one class of volunteers, the formation of which will be attended with unexceptionable advantages; and that is localized bodies on the coast for service near their own homes. These may be either artillery or infantry, or better still, both combined: that is, infantry accustomed to exercise in the service of guns in battery. They will be always at their homes, and at their habitual occupations, till the period of action shall arrive; and a very few hours of occasional evening exercise will be sufficient, particularly during peace time, to afford a basis of organization for bodies which may be then rapidly made very efficient during war. As their service will be chiefly in batteries, or in fortified posts—or if in the open field, only in greatly superior numbers, and within confined limits, to oppose desultory landings—they will not need the field equipment, nor that refined knowledge and practice so necessary in every part of an army in a campaign. Their dress may be of a plain description, such as an artisan's or gamekeeper's jacket, and a foraging cap, which, though of some uniform pattern, may be suitable for ordinary wear. By such means, our coasts may be powerfully protected from any but very formidable efforts against them, at the smallest expense and waste of resources; and at the same time, these bodies will supply the place of regular troops, for which they will form an efficient substitute.
In advocating the expediency of rendering the volunteer system attractive among the labouring classes, as, generally speaking, the most robust
