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§ 9 of mature knowledge from a military standpoint, with considerable flying experience, possessing something of an intuition for reading the meaning of the incomplete and fragmentary indications which are obtainable from high altitude observation. It is evidently not impossible for a strategic scout (as we may term the machine under discussion) to descend to low altitude in pursuit of more accurate and precise information; but it is always to be remembered that any such manoeuvre is dangerous to an unarmoured machine; it may be too easily shot down or destroyed by shrapnel. In this latter event it must be regarded as having failed in its purpose. The possession of a wireless installation may be assumed, but, in the event of the machine being lost, the fact that reports had already been transmitted to headquarters would in no way mean that the machine had completely fulfilled its mission.

The work done by the strategic scout thus comprises the gleaning of information hitherto only to be obtained by espionage or by a reconnaissance in force—that is to say, by a large force of cavalry with supports of horse artillery and infantry, often involving considerable fighting and loss. It is quite improbable that aeroplane scouting will prove an entire substitute for such reconnaissance; in may be said that cavalry can feel and act where the air-scout can only see and report, but, as a prelude to cavalry reconnaissance, and as an auxiliary thereto, the services of the strategic scout should prove of the utmost utility. It will, at least, enable the cavalry force acting at a distance from its base, frequently in the rear of the enemy, to keep in constant touch with headquarters, and thus relieve the despatch rider of one of his most difficult and dangerous tasks. In service of this character it would seem probable that a flight or squadron of aeroplanes would be temporarily or