516 



Transactions. 



We should write beforehand, say on a small card, for vise if necessary 

 during the march, the bearings of these stars at quarter-hour or half-hour 

 intervals. Such a card would show entries somewhat as follows : — 



The bearings of Antares are added to our card as a precaution, in case 

 the march takes longer than was expected. 



Let us suppose that at 9.30 p.m. we have reached a point whence our 

 map shows that we have to advance in a direction 20° west of south. 

 Regulus is then 34° west of south ; so that we are to take the direction 14° 

 on the east or left side of Regulus. This angle can be taken off beforehand 

 on our small card, and fomid on the field by three pins stuck in the card 

 so as to show the angle — the card being held horizontally.* 



But, generally speaking, it is well for every man, or, at all events, every 

 officer and non-commissioned officer, to be able to ascertain the general 

 direction ; therefore the most important thing is to find the north -and - 

 south line first, and to determine the line of march from that — which may 

 be easily done by placing the map or plan flat on the ground in its true 

 position. 



In conclusion, I may say that officers at the front have borne testimony 

 to the practical value of the first method described ; 1 trust that the second 

 method (perhaps in conjunction with the first) may prove as useful. If 

 it saves one man's life, I shall feel myself a thousandfold repaid for all the 

 thought spent upon it. 



* 14° is very nearly the angle subtended by the line joining the tip of the thumb 

 and the tip of the middle finger of the left hand stretched at full length (palm out- 

 wards) when looked at with the right eye. Other bodily measurements may be 

 similarly used for determining angles roughly; or even distances between points on 

 the rifle, &c. 



