The centre file stands fast, all to the right of it turn to the left, all to the left of it to the right, all but the centre file step off, rifles at the long trail, close upon the centre, halt, front, and take up the same bodily position as the centre file. If it has been ordered in the mean time to “fix bayonets,” the others fix bayonets successively as they come up: if to shoulder arms, the others successively shoulder, &c., &c. “TO THE RIGHT, CLOSE.” “TO THE LEFT, CLOSE.” “TO (ANY FILE), CLOSE.” On precisely the same principles. Company in line two deep. “RIGHT SUBDIVISION, COVER THE FRONT.” The officer commanding the right subdivision gives the words— “_Right subdivision_,” “_trail arms_,” “_quick march_,” “_from the centre extend_.” At the last-mentioned word, the centre file going steadily to the front, all to the right of it bring forward the left shoulder, and all to the left of it the right shoulder, so as to open out, successively, to the proper extended distances from the centre; each file turning full to the front as it gains its distance. The left subdivision has now become “the support.” When the line of skirmishers attains to a proper distance, it receives the order “_Halt._” This interval, in a tolerably open country, under the long range, should scarcely be less than three hundred yards; though, on the drill field, to save time, this and other similar distances may be, when it is desirable, contracted. Any body of infantry on the march in line may “extend” from any named file on the principle just described; and, on the same principle, skirmishers on the march may “close,” by bringing up the shoulder so as to join successively the file indicated which has kept its straightforward course. For the very important duties of supports, see “The Essentials,” Art. VIII. Right subdivision extended, left subdivision in support. “LEFT SUBDIVISION, RELIEVE.” (“The skirmishers” understood.) The left subdivision receives the words from its commander— “_Left subdivision_,” “_trail arms_,” “_quick march_,” “_from the centre extend_.” The centre file of the support marches straight upon the centre file of the skirmishers, the remaining files of the support bring forward their shoulders right or left so as to open out successively to their proper distances from the centre as skirmishers, turning again full to the front when these are attained. On reaching the line of the former skirmishers these last-mentioned receive the order, “_Right subdivision_,” “_retire_,” “_to the centre, close_.”