usually play the season's opening spot on the first of May, so the term means someone "green" who is new to circus life. Flag, or Flag's Up — The cookhouse is open. Flare — A kerosene torch placed along the route from the railroad loading spur to the circus lot, to light the way during a night haul. Flip-Flaps — Backward handsprings done on the ground. Flukum — Refreshment butchers' term for no-brand grape or orange drink to be sold in the stands (usually from cheap powdered flavorings). Fly Bar — Aerialists' swing with a bar instead of a flat seat. Flyers — Aerialists in flying acts, which involve jumping through the air. The flyer's partner is the 'catcher.' Flying Squadron — The first trucks to reach thelot. (After the title of a novel about the War of 1812.) Forty Milers — Newcomers to circus or carnival life, who (metaphorically speaking) have never been farther than 40 miles away from their home, and might very well quit before they get any farther away than that. Funambulist — Rope walker, from the Latin: "funis" (rope) and "ambulare" (to walk.) Funny Ropes — Extra guy ropes added to regular ones, usually at angles, to give extra stability and spread to canvas tent. Fussner Act — Usually an outdoor act for fairground or circus lot in which an artist balances on a rolling globe about 3 feet in diameter, rolling it up a slight incline to the top of a downward spiraling track on which he rolls on