120 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
inheritance became Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gothe, a petty but rich state in Germany, where he now resides. The young Prince before leaving England relinquished all claim to parlia- mentary allowances, as well as the pay of a British Admiral, which amounted to some thousand pounds.
In order to complete the organization of the volunteers, a Rifle Association became established at Charlottetown during this year 1861, the object being to promote general efficiency in the use of the rifle, so necessary to all who desire to become skillful and expert in the management of this deadly weapon.
Rules and Regulations for the government of the Associa- tion were submitted to the Commandenin-chief and approved, a list was then open for membership and subscriptions. "
The 12th of August, the day appointed for opening the Association, was therefore looked forward to by the volunteers with pleasing anticipation.
A Silver Cup of elaborate make, presented by His Excellency the Commander-in-chief, headed the list of prizes, of which there were seven.
Ranges and Targets for this match were :—
Ist, zoo yards, target 2 feet by 6, bull’s eye 8 inches diameter, center 24 inches; and, 300 yards, target 4 feet by 6, center 24 inches; 3rd, target same as at the second range. Positions at the first range, standing, second and third ranges, kneeling. Value of each shot striking the targets were, outer I, center 2, bull’s eye 3 points. The Range Officers the Hon. Colonel Longworth and Captain De Blois. All companies had the privilege of being represented by ten of their members.
The weather being everything that could be desired for the occasion, a great number of spectators were present, a great many being from the country districts.
The field in front of Government House having been selected for this contest, the targets were placed in the direction of the battery; the order of precedence being determined on by seniority, the Captain of Artillery having been called first delivered his fire through the center, and the contest continued from right to left until each man had fired five rounds—that being the number at each range. The contest having been