When the target is clearly visible and the effect of a round hitting a target is evident, the observation “Target” is reported. Unless the observer is certain of having seen the bursts “Unobserved” will be sent. If, however, after a few seconds smoke can be seen rising from trees, houses, etc., in proximity to the target, the observation “Unobserved, but smoke seen rising left and over,” may be given.
Note 2.—Observers must beware of being over-confident in their own powers of observation. True confidence only comes with experience, and this is best attained by making ascents with a trained observer when ranging a battery and checking one’s own observations with those given by him. An observation must never be given unless the observer is quite certain as to its correctness. It is essential to good results that the artillery may be able to rely absolutely on the observations sent down. The observer must watch the target but must avoid straining his eyes by putting up his glasses as soon as a round is fired. He should arrange for the chart room to inform him when a shell is about to fall. The latter must know the time of flight. Observers must learn to distinguish readily the bursts of different kinds of shells.
Note 3.—If the balloon-target line makes an angle with the battery-target line of more than 30° with field artillery and 20° with heavy, the balloon position will be given to the battery, and all observations will be given with reference to the balloon-target line and the battery will replot accordingly.