camps, but not always the best for battle-grounds. A position of this
kind, to be really strong, must be not only steep and difficult of
access, but should be adapted to the end had in view in occupying it,
should offer as many advantages as possible for the kind of troops
forming the principal strength of the army, and, finally, the obstacles
presented by its features should be more disadvantageous for the enemy
than for the assailed. For example, it is certain that Massena, in
taking the strong position of the Albis, would have made a great error
if his chief strength had been in cavalry and artillery; whilst it was
exactly what was wanted for his excellent infantry. For the same reason,
Wellington, whose whole dependence was in the fire of his troops, made a
good choice of position at Waterloo, where all the avenues of approach
were well swept by his guns. The position of the Albis was, moreover,
rather a strategic position, that of Waterloo being simply a
battle-ground.

The rules to be generally observed in selecting tactical positions are
the following:--

1. To have the communications to the front such as to make it
easier to fall upon the enemy at a favorable moment than for him to
approach the line of battle.

2. To give the artillery all its effect in the defense.

3. To have the ground suitable for concealing the movements of
troops between the wings, that they may be massed upon any point
deemed the proper one.

4. To be able to have a good view of the enemy's movements.

5. To have an unobstructed line of retreat.

6. To have the flanks well protected, either by natural or
artificial obstacles, so as to render impossible an attack upon
their extremities, and to oblige the enemy to attack the center, or
at least some point of the front.

This is a difficult condition to fulfill; for, if an army rests on
a river, or a mountain, or an impenetrable forest, and the smallest
reverse happens to it, a great disaster may be the result of the
broken line being forced back upon the very obstacles which seemed
to afford perfect protection. This danger--about which there can be
no doubt--gives rise to the thought that points admitting an easy
defense are better on a battle-field than insurmountable
obstacles.[23]

7. Sometimes a want of proper support for the flanks is remedied by
throwing a crot