Again suppose that several scouts were on the lookout for an enemy's fleet, and that they sighted the enemy's smoke. It has been proven that by modern scouting methods it is next to impossible for an enemy to start for any of several destinations, no matter how many miles apart, and not be discovered by the opponent's scouts before reaching their destination. The enemy's main strength, or battleships, will be covered by a screen, that is cruisers and torpedo boat destroyers, spread out many miles from the main body, whose duty it is to prevent our scouts from getting near enough to obtain any information. In order to obtain the necessary information our scouts would have to pierce this screen, and the chances are very great that they would be sunk in the attempt, or so crippled that they would be unable to convey the information to the Commander-in-Chief. In any event, why run such a risk? If equipped with aeroplanes it would be an easy matter to send them out, and the information would be obtained in a much shorter time, without danger of the loss of a ship, and with the surety that the information would be secured. In this connection it must be remembered that there is nothing to obscure the vision at sea, that the range of vision from a height of three thousand feet is approximately forty miles, and that the wind conditions are always better than over land; that is, steady. These are simply a few instances of the value that an aeroplane may be to the Navy. In my opinion, the ideal aeroplane for naval use should have the following characteristics: The greatest possible speed, while carrying two people and fuel supply for at least four hours' flight (not under sixty miles an hour speed, as this has already been accomplished), and, at the same time, capability of being easily handled in a thirty-mile wind. There are many machines for which this quality is claimed, but few that have really proved it. Double control so that either person can operate the machine. Ability to be launched from shipboard, without first lowering into the water, as on many occasions the wind at sea will be suitable for flying, whereas the sea will be too rough to rise from. Ability to land on rough water. The engine to be fitted with a self-starter. Also that the engine be muffled and the machine fitted with a sling for hoisting on board ship by means of a crane, and so constructed that it can be easily taken apart for stowage, and quickly assembled. A search-light for making landings at night, and an efficient wireless apparatus, should also form part of the full equipment.