(iii) The preservation of dressing, direction, interval, and distance, especially when in lines of sections. (iv) The length of pace and cadence in quick and double time. (v) The readiness with which the company forms line of half-companies or sections. (vi) The manner in which words of command are given. (vii) The closeness with which the principles and instructions contained in this manual are followed. SKIRMISHING. =76.= _General Remarks._ The training of the company in skirmishing will be confined to tactical exercises on broken ground, and will be carried out in accordance with the principles laid down in =45–57=. The commander should decide whether ground should be crossed by simultaneous rushes; by rushing man by man; by crawling in succession, or independently; or in quick time. Occasions may arise when a strict adherence to the directions laid down in Part I, for extending, changing direction, &c., would be undesirable. Company training should embrace a variety of rough and ready expedients, calculated to enable a fighting front to be shown with the least possible delay in any required direction:-- For instance, a company marching north in fours is required to suddenly extend facing north-west; or troops lying down firing are required to rapidly line a bank to their right, to forestall its occupation by an enemy; or a company advancing in extended order arrives at an impassable obstacle of limited extent, or perhaps encounters water which can only be crossed by a bridge, and the commander wishes to avoid closing and re-extending. To meet contingencies, the following methods are suggested. Other expedients should be improvised by commanders in order to educate their men to meet a particular exigency:-- (i) To change direction; or to occupy a position rapidly. When in extended order, the command may be:--_Line that bank (ditch, hedge, &c.)--Double_. When in close order:--_Line that bank (hedge, ditch, &c.)--Extend_. In the latter case the intervals between men are immaterial. (ii) From behind an obstacle such as a bog, or pond, to occupy the ground on the far side in extended order. The new position having been pointed out to the men, the word of command may be _Man by Man_ (or _By Files_, _By Fours_), _From the Right_ (_Left_, or _Both Flanks_), _To--paces, Extend_ (or _Advance_, or _Double_). The men will move off from one or both flanks, and occupy in extended order the position pointed out, the squad commander leading. This method may also be used for extending from behind cover, such as a wall, bank, &c., into the open under fire; or for crossing a bridge when under fire; or when it is desired not to attract attention. Men may also be extended in prolongation of any alignment on the above principles.