Page:Collier's New Encyclopedia v. 09.djvu/299

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TARDIEU 255 TARGET PRACTICE ehief censor, a position he later aban- doned to take his place in the trenches. In 1917 he came to the United States as head of the French mission. He was ANDRE PIBRKB G. TARDIEU the youngest delegate to the Peace Con- ference, in 1918, and was a member of the Supreme Council. Among his vari- ous works is "The Mystery of Agadir." TARE, the common name of different species of Vicia, a genus of leguminous plants, known also by the name of vetch. There are numerous species and varie- ties of tares or vetches, but that which is found best adapted for agricultural purposes is the common tare {V. sativa) , of which there are two principal varie- ties, the summer and winter tare. They afford excellent food for horses and cat- tle, and hence are extensively cultivated throughout Europe. The tare mentioned in Scripture (Mat. xiii: 36) is supposed to be the Darnel (g. v.). V. sativa is found in fields in the United States. TARENTUM, a borough of Pennsyl- vania, in Allegheny co. It is on the Al- legheny river, and on the Pennsylvania railroad. It is an important industrial center and has manufactures of plate glass, bottles, lumber, steel and iron nov- elties, steel billets, etc. Pop. (1910) 7,- 414; (1920) 8,925. TARGET, a shield or buckler of a small size, circular in form, cut out of ox-hide, mounted on light but strong wood, and strengthened by bosses, spikes, etc. ; often covered externally with a con- siderable amount of ornamental v/ork. Also, the mai'k set up to be fired at in archery, musketry, or artillery practice, or the like. Rifle targets are generally square or oblong metal plates, and are divided into three or more sections — ^the bull's-eye, inner (or center) , and outer, counting from the center of the target to the outside. In some targets there is n fourth division commonly called Magpeb iq. v.). TARGET PRACTICE. The use of stationary targets for practice in the United States Army has given place to that of appearing and disappearing tar- gets, which stimulate activity and in- crease the skill of the gunners. Ameri- can soldiers, and particularly those of the regular service, have the reputation of being the best shots in the world. For recruits who have not seen such service, the "surprise" targets prove ex- cellent schooling in quick aim and rapid firing. Of these moving targets there are several varieties. In infantry firing at appearing targets, a section, or com- pany, is marched forward to some marked point, when nearing it a target suddenly comes into view. It represents a body of cavalry crossing the plains ahead. The infantry forms in the di- rection as quickly as possible and opens fire. The target remains in sight only 15 or 20 seconds, after which it is re- placed by other targets appearing and disappearing in turn and representing the successive positions of the cavalry. One form of target alternately folds and opens up. It simulates an enemy ad- vancing and kneeling to fire. The appearing and disappearing tar- gets are worked from a pit position. Light lines leading along the ground and reeving through pulleys enable the op- erator in his safety cellar to flash a target into view at any desired time. For artillery firing there are frames mounted parallel to the line of fire, and which can be thrown into view by merely turn- ing them so that they will show at right angles to the line of fire. To catch aim quickly, and fire rapidly and with ac- curacy is the object striven for in this system of target practice. The proficiency of American gunners in the naval engagements of 1898 at- tracted much attention. It has been at- tributed, very correctly, to the pains taken in target practice. Once a month, every ^ip in the United States Navy, no matter whether she is in a honie