e._ the use of the small sword and broadsword--should have
been so thoroughly neglected of late years in this country. That part of
the education of youth seems to have become quite a secondary
consideration.

General Sir Charles Napier has truly said, 'Young men have all the
temptations in the world to pleasure, none to study; consequently, they
some day find themselves conspicuous for want of knowledge, not of
talent.'

The introduction of the Breech-loader has revolutionised firearms. When
we look back upon the extraordinary achievements of arms during the
present century, with the comparatively crude weapons then in use as
compared with the marvellous inventions of the present moment, it is
simply astounding what results were obtained.

The terrible work done by the old Brown Bess, with its unique
flint-and-steel lock of its day, at Waterloo and elsewhere, is now
matter of history. In those days artillery and cavalry had a chance of
existence in the field, they have scarcely any now. The old flint lock,
although it has had its day, has done its work well, and is entitled to
veneration. Many a noble fellow has bit the dust from its spark, and
England's first and greatest battles were fought and won by its aid. The
Nipple and Percussion Cap came next into use, and subsequently the
Breech-loader; but since Rifles have superseded military smooth-bore
weapons, the old spherical ball has been condemned.

The breech-loading rifled arm of the present day may be looked upon as a
marvel of modern ingenuity; as combining exquisite manufacture,
extraordinary precision, and unequalled range. The latter may be
accounted for by the conical shape of the bullet, and the rotary motion
given thereto by the grooving of the barrel; and lastly, from the full
force of the evolution of gas consequent upon the powder being enclosed
in a copper tube which is inserted in the breech when loading the piece.

The barrel of the Breech-loading Rifle is by its own action of firing
kept comparatively clean, as compared with the old Muzzle-loader; for
with the breech-loader any fouling of the barrel is driven out by the
discharge, and the powder in the cartridge is kept perfectly free from
any contamination with the moisture adhering to the barrel by its copper
case and being inserted in the breech; whereas in the old muzzle-loading
weapon the barrel, after the first discharge, becomes lubricated, and
consequently a portion of the powder poured