These parts are further divided into "quarters," or "cantons": two "next the staff," two "in the fly."
These descriptive terms should be noted, as they will be in constant use in the pages which follow.
USAGE.
A flag at half-mast is a sign of mourning.
A flag reversed is a signal of distress.
The lowering of a flag is a signal of surrender.
The raising of the victors' flag in its place is a signal of capture.
The nationality of a country is shown by its flag.
The nationality of a vessel is made known by the flag she flies at the stern.
To hoist the flag of one nation under that of another nation, on the same flag-staff, is to show it disrespect.