spared by instructors to make their men like, and take CHAP. an interest in what they are taught.

Those, however, who wish to learn, are especially recommended to think out in their minds all they have heard, they should ponder over it, they should question and talk to each other regarding it when they are together, for instance when they are on guard, in their barrack rooms, when they go out for a walk; in fact they should never rest until they have a clear and distinct conception of what has been told them, and of what they have read.

A good way of impressing on the memory the principles of field-duty is to endeavour to picture in one's mind those situations or circumstances of war of which one has heard, or read, or to which the attention has been directed. The instructors and the older and experienced soldiers will gladly assist their younger comrades, who thus gradually will clearly and distinctly understand how to act under the various circumstances that may occur. This theoretical study will be of great use to the men both when they receive practical instruction and when they go on service.

1.

necessary

The qualities which it is especially necessary that a Qualities soldier should possess on service, are courage, presence for a solof mind, activity, endurance in hardship, together with dier. intelligence and, where necessary, craft in stratagems.

The intelligent soldier, if he happen to be alone, or with only a few of his comrades, must have confidence in himself, he must wait quietly and exercise his own judgment.

I.

СНАР. As a vedette, or as reconnoitrer in an advance guard, as long as this important post is confided to him, he must be indefatigably watchful and enduring, so that his comrades behind him may be able to rest without concern or to follow him without danger.

It is a noble and right feeling for the soldier to think that My comrades can sleep as I am awake,' 'My comrades have nothing to fear as I watch the enemy.'

So important, and so troublesome also is this duty, that both his superiors and comrades will respect and honour the soldier who performs it with intelligence and care, while his country will not fail to thank, and reward him.

The soldier should look around him at those of his officers and fellow soldiers who have received rewards from their sovereign; he should resolve when his turn comes, and he has to maintain the honour of his country, that he will not be found wanting: but that by his courage, obedience to discipline, and careful watchfulness, he will prove himself worthy of the regiment to which he belongs, and of the country which owns him.

CHAPTER II.

SOME DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES

RELATING TO FIELD-DUTY.

II.

Definitions

THE duties of a campaign are not confined to march- CHAP. ing and fighting, the comfort and repose of troops have also to be attended to, whenever they halt, or when from other reasons their movements are suspended. Troops are said to be either in Cantonments, Camps, or Bivouacs.

1. In Cantonments, if they are quartered in villages or inhabited places.

2. In Camp, when they are lodged in tents or huts. 3. In Bivouacs, when they have to spend the night, or permanently continue, in the open air.

Cantonments afford greater ease and comfort than a Camp or Bivouac; as, however, it is impossible to find accommodation for a large number of men in one place, Cantonments can only be used when the enemy is at a distance and the troops few in number.

Camps are used for large bodies of troops, and when it is probable that they will be required to remain some time in the same place.

Bivouacs are used for one night, or longer, accord

and explanations.

II.

CHAP. ing to circumstances; and, unless wood and straw can be procured, they are devoid of all comfort. When the enemy is very near, troops must always bivouac, as thereby they are much safer than in a cantonment, and can turn out more quickly.

Guards on

Troops on the march, in an enemy's country or in the march. the vicinity of an enemy, provide for their safety by means of an Advance Guard, Rear Guard, and Side Patrols.

Explanation of outposts.

Fieldpicquets.

An Advance Guard is a small detachment which marches some distance in front of a larger body to secure its safety.

A Rear Guard similarly with the same object marches in rear; and Advance and Rear Guards are themselves also secured by means of single men who are called reconnoitrers.

Side Patrols guard the flank of marching troops; similarly these are also guarded by individual men who are called 'Flankers.'

In order that troops while halted may really enjoy rest and comfort, they are surrounded by outposts in the direction of the enemy.

In the immediate vicinity of the enemy, the duty of providing for the safety of the army is confided to Guards, from whom double sentries are sent out, called in Cavalry vedettes. These Guards, or as they may be called Field-Picquets, have supports, which are intended to reinforce them when attacked, and also to hold any important points between them and the main body. These supports are each divided

II.

into two portions, the one (Active support) advances CHAP. and reinforces the advanced Picquet when attacked, the other (Reserve support) does not quit its position, but assists the Picquet if the latter has to retreat. The word 'outposts' is used to express the entire Supports. body of picquets, with their supports. The line of the same is called the line of outposts, or if they are in close connection with each other, the chain of outposts. In a similar manner we speak of the chain of vedettes.

The safety of the outposts is secured by means of Patrols. patrols as well as vedettes.

A Patrol is a detachment which is employed to obtain information regarding the enemy, the nature of the ground, or to keep up the communications between bodies of friendly troops.

If the surface of the ground is level and clear, the Ground. country is said to be 'open ;' if,.on the other hand, it is grown over with trees or bushes, or interspersed with hedges, if it is hilly, swampy, cut up by ditches, or a river, if there are ponds, lakes, &c., then the country is said to be 'cut up' or 'enclosed.'

A Defile is a narrow road or pass, which goes Defiles. through an impassable piece of ground, for example, bridges, ravines, embankments, lanes, paths through woods, streets through a village or town. A 'defile,' in fact, is any spot where, on the march or in position, it is impossible to have an extended front.

In order to make oneself acquainted with one's Method of position in any neighbourhood, it is above all things

discover

ing the