7. When from line a squad is turned to the right or left in fours, if to the right the left will direct, and if to the left the right will direct without any further word of command, and each section of fours will dress by that flank. 8. A squad moving to a flank in fours by the diagonal march, will form two-deep on being turned into line. =41.= _Fours changing direction, and forming squad._ 1. _Changing direction._--A squad moving in fours, will change direction to the right, in the same manner as in file: each four wheeling successively round the same point as described in S. =31=. If the squad be ordered to halt, or mark time, when a part of the fours only have wheeled, the remainder will be instructed to cover off, if required, by the diagonal march, on the command _Rear fours--Cover_. 2. _Forming squad._--When a squad moving in fours is ordered to form squad either on the right or left, it will re-form two-deep, and then proceed as in S. =32=, the men taking up their proper places as they come up to the alignment. =42.= _Passage of a Defile._ If a squad in line has to pass a defile, it will be formed into fours, or turned into file, either to a flank or inwards, and pass the defile in this formation, line being reformed as soon as the defile is passed. =43.= _Obstacles._ When a stream, ditch, or bank is to be crossed it will be generally found best to increase rather than diminish the front, by causing the men to gradually open out before they arrive at the obstacle. If an obstacle such as a tree or a bush has to be passed, the men concerned will drop back, clear the obstacle, and then resume their original formation. =44.= _Dismissing with or without arms._ { The squad will turn to the right, and after a _Dis-miss._ { pause, break off quietly, and leave the parade { ground with sloped arms. SKIRMISHING. =45.= _General Rules._ 1. Skirmishing implies extended order, in which each individual acts and thinks for himself, and makes use of all his powers, mental and physical, to attain a common object. It is absolutely essential, then, that in this part of his training, the intelligence of each recruit should be developed by every possible means, and that a spirit of independent action, subject to the control and general directions of the section and squad commanders, should be sedulously encouraged. 2. Even after the soldier has acquired the habit of prompt obedience to the word of command, and of concentrating his whole attention on the work in hand, and has learnt to march and shoot, he will, notwithstanding, be insufficiently trained for service unless he can use his wits as well as his physical strength, and is a skilful, active, and resourceful skirmisher.