THE MORSE ALPHABET.

For use in communicating with Telegraph Stations not provided with a Code.

The system of signalling by flashes may be used for communicating messages by the Morse Alphabet, now in very general use for telegraphic purposes.

The Preparative and Erasure, Stop, General Answer, and Repeat and Interrogative, are the same in both codes.

The signals should be made in precisely the same manner as when using the numerical code, a pause being made between each letter as between each figure, and treating each word as a number.

Figures should not be used; but numbers should be sent in words. When a word is wrongly sent, the erasure signal must be made and acknowledged, and the word sent again.

FLASHING SIGNALS WITH FLAGS.

FROM the fact that flags are not fully exposed to view unless kept in motion, and as the plan of exposure and concealment cannot be employed in using them, a different arrangement is adopted to make flashing signals.

The signalman may work from left to right, or from right to left, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, according to convenience, and the direction of the wind. To make a short flash-the flag is waved from a to b, and back to the normal position a. To make a long flash-the flag is waved from a to c, and after a distinct pause, brought back to the normal position, a.

The numerals 1 to 5 are, therefore, denoted by one to five waves of the flag from a to b, recovering to a. The numeral 6, by a wave from a to c, recovering to a. The numeral 7, by a wave from a to b, back to a, and then to c, recovering to the normal position, a. numeral 8 is denoted by a wave from a to c, back to a, and then to b, recovering to the normal position, a. The numeral 9 is denoted

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by two waves from a to b, and one from a to c. The numeral 0, by one wave from a to c, recovering again to a, and then two waves from a to b. The other signs are made in the same manner, so that a short motion shall always represent a short flash, and a long motion a long flash.

On the completion of the motions required for each sign, the flag must always be brought to the position a. When the word, or group of figures, is completed, the butt of the staff may be brought to the ground, and the flag at the same moment gathered in. In waving the flag, the point of the staff should be made to describe a figure of 8 in the air, to keep the flag clear. In all other respects flashing signals are carried on in precisely the same manner with flags as with any other instruments.

Minutes are denoted by their proper figures. Thus :-hor. 2135=35 minutes past 11 p.m. Seconds must be made separately.

THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS.

This Code has been adopted by all the following Maritime Powers for their Imperial as well as for their Mercantile Navies, viz:—

SIGNAL Stations have been established, with the approval of Her Majesty's Government, at some of the most important points on the coasts of the United Kingdom, and it is in contemplation to establish others where experience may prove them to be necessary or desirable.

The Signal Stations already established on the coast of the United Kingdom are as follows:

Dover.
Dungeness.

Yarmouth, I. of W.

St. Catherine's Point,

(I. of W.)

the Start.

Penzance.

The Scilly Islands.
Roche's Point,

Queenstown.

Holyhead.

Prawle Point, near Caldy Island, (Tenby.)

Cardiff.

At these Signal Stations the International Code is the only Code recognized, and Vessels of any nation which make their names known by means of the International Code in passing these Stations will be reported in the "Shipping Gazette."