Page:Scouting for girls, adapted from Girl guiding.djvu/110

96 Many Scouts have found it easier to learn the motions required in flag signalling with a light stick about 18 or 24 inches long; you will be surprised to see how simple it is to handle a flag, when the motions have been mastered with a stick.

Don't try for speed. Accuracy is the most important thing, for unless the letters are accurately made they may be confused and your message will be read as something quite different from what you intended. Fall into a regular easy rhythm. Speed will come with practice. When signalling a message go slowly enough for the receiver to read it.

Semaphore

The "Semaphore" is really a machine, with two arms which may be moved into various positions to indicate letters. It is especially used on railroads. The semaphore code may also be employed by a person using two flags. It is the quickest method of flag signalling but is only available for comparatively short distances, seldom over a mile, unless extra large flags are used, or there are some extraordinary conditions of backgrounds, atmosphere, etcetera.

The semaphore code is not adapted to all sorts of uses as is the general service code, but for very quick communications over short distances it is most useful.

The regulation Semaphore flag is 18 inches square, divided diagonally into two triangles, a red and a white, with the red one fastened to a staff which is 24 inches long. The staff must be carefully held, to move in one