Thus he will point to his ear
and foot on hearing footsteps, to his eyes on seeing persons approach, or
to his tongue if voices be audible; and will also indicate on his fingers
the numbers of those coming, describing also many particulars as to how
many porters, beasts of burden or for riding, there may be with the
party."
A kite has been suggested as a day signal; and also a kite with some kind
of squib, let off by a slow-light and attached to its tail, as one by
night. (Colonel Jackson.)
Sound.--Whistling through the fingers can be heard at considerable
distances: the accomplishment should be learnt. Cooing in the Australian
fashion, or jvdling in that of the Swiss, are both of them heard a long
way. The united holloa of many voices, is heard much further than
separate cries. The cracking of a whip has a very penetrating sound.
Smells.--An abominable smell arrests the attention at night.
Letters carried by Animals.--In short reconnoitring expeditions made by a
small detachment from a party, the cattle or dogs are often wild, and run
home to their comrades on the first opportunity; in the event of not
being able to watch them, owing to accident or other cause, advantage may
be taken of their restlessness, by tying a note to one of their necks,
and letting them go and serve as postmen, or rather as carrier-pigeons.
BEARINGS BY COMPASS, SUN, ETC.
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