In the first place,
it was flat on the ground, without any feet to it, so the Scout could
roll or drag his patient on to it.
[Illustration: THE DUTCH SCOUTS' STRETCHER.]
Then it had two pairs of canvas flaps, which could lace across the
patient's chest and loins, with sort of pockets for his feet, so that
after the patient had been fastened on to it he could, if necessary,
be stood upright. This is sometimes useful in a narrow place like a
tunnel or a mine or a passage. Then, with a short chain and hook to
each corner, the stretcher was slung underneath a pair of wheels (a
Scout's hand-cart would do equally well), and the Scout was able to
wheel his patient away.
* * * * *
BELGIAN SCOUTS.
Before my visit to Belgium the Scouts there did grand work in helping
the soldiers who had been sent to put out some forest fires. For
several days the Scouts were camped with the soldiers.
They supplied a line of signalling posts, by which communication was
kept up with the nearest telegraph offices.
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