SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
101 
B. SEMAPHORE SIGNALLING 
SEMAPHORE CODE 
The semaphore is a machine with two arms which may 
be moved into various positions to make letters. The 
semaphore code shown in the accompanying picture may 
also be employed by a person using two flags. It is the 
quickest method of flag signalling but is available for 
comparatively short distances, seldom over a mile, unless 
extra large flags are employed or there is some extraor- 
dinary condition of background or atmosphere. 
The semaphore code is not adapted to as many uses 
as is the general service code, but for quick signalling 
over comparatively short distances, it is preferable in 
every way. 
The regulation flag is 18 inches square, either divided 
diagonally into two triangles of white and red, or square 
of white with small square of red in the center, or red 
with small square of white. These flags are fastened on 
poles 24 inches long and % inch in diameter. 
The flags must be carefully held so that the sticks 
make, as it were, a continuation of the arm bone; a bent 
wrist will cause the flags to make an entirely different 
angle, and consequently a different letter from the one 
intended. 
Swing the arms smoothly and without hesitation from 
one letter to another. Hold each letter long enough to 
make it clear to the person receiving it. Every word 
begins and ends with “intervals,” the hands crossed down- 
ward in front of the body, arms nearly straight, right 
hand always over the left. 
Indicate the end of a sentence by one “chip-chop” made 
by holding both flags to the right, horizontally, and mov- 
ing them up and down several times ; not together, but 
one flag going down as the other comes up, making the 
“chopping” motion. 
