ii. The range to and the angle of sight of these features which should

be given names. It may often be more convenient to letter and describe them with their ranges and angles of sight on a separate paper.

4. The above instructions apply to officers, but in order that N.C.Os. and men employed on reconnaissance work may be of use to them, they will require training in the following subjects:--

i. _Map reading._--They should be able to find the way in a strange country, first, by practical map reading; then by memory of the map; by sun and compass; by landmarks; by questioning natives of the country. As maps may not always be available on service, they should be practised in working without their aid.

It should be a habit with them to notice the general direction taken and changes of direction subsequently made.

ii. _Sketching._--When they have learnt to read a map, elementary instruction in sketching should be given. This to include instruction in conventional signs; judging distances by time or by eye; making a simple approximate scale, finding approximate north point; dictating a map; sketching a piece of simple country; drawing a map from memory; estimating heights.

iii. _Reporting._--As the value of the men’s work depends largely on their ability to furnish a clear report they should receive instruction in this subject. Written reports should be in telegraphic language, and verbal reports thought out beforehand.

iv. _Concealment._--Their attention should be drawn to the great importance of dismounting and taking cover and of selecting a background to suit the colour of their clothing when observing; the importance of remaining perfectly still; of avoiding the sky line; of selecting look-out points when on the move, and of getting from one to another quickly, and unseen.

RANGE FINDING.

=245.= _General instructions._

1. However accurate in itself the instrument for finding the range may be, satisfactory results can only be expected if the range-takers are themselves efficient. To ensure this, careful training and regular practice are essential. In order that the system of instruction may be similar in each brigade, the brigade commander should personally supervise it; an officer or qualified non-commissioned officer being detailed annually to take charge of the instruction of all range-takers in the brigade.

2. In addition to the authorized establishment of range-takers an adequate and efficient reserve to replace possible casualties must be maintained.

3. These requirements necessitate a class being formed each year, which should commence work during the period of individual training.

4. The men selected for a course must be active and willing to learn. They must have good hearing and eyesight and a steady hand. They should be able to write clearly, and it will be an advantage if they can read a map and be a good judge of distance before commencing work.

5. The course should be a progressive one, beginning with a few short lectures, which should be devoted to explaining the working of the instrument, the names of its various parts and their uses, and the errors that are commonly made. The proper way to handle the instrument can also be taught.

6. The next step is to take the class out of doors and practise them in taking ranges to well-defined upright objects, such as chimneys and later to smaller objects, such as posts, at close and known ranges. Any errors in the handling of the instrument or in the methods employed should be pointed out at the time.

7. The men should now be ready to be taken into the country and practised in taking ranges at first to well-defined objects from three to four thousand yards away, and subsequently to others, such as crest lines and hedges, which would form the more usual and less distinct objectives in war.

8. =It is a matter of the greatest importance that the men should learn to take ranges with the least possible exposure, in order to avoid giving any information to the enemy as to the artillery positions.= The instructor should, from the earliest moment possible, act as though he were a battery commander and, having pointed out the objects to which he requires the range, should insist on the men withdrawing under cover and moving to another position before taking it, unless well concealed in their present position. The same precautions should be taken when reporting the range, due allowance being made for any extra distance to the front or rear that the range was taken from.

9. =All officers should understand the general working of the instrument in use in their unit and be capable of taking ranges with it.=

SERVICE OF COMMUNICATION.

=246.= _General system and principles._

1. Artillery communications in the field are divided into:--