of the regiment or brigade are fundamentally
derived from the squadron column, only varying with the order in which
the squadrons are grouped, and the intervals which separate them. Thus
the regiment may move in _line of squadron columns_ at close interval,
i.e. 11 paces apart or in _double column_ as in the diagram. To form
_line_ for the charge, the squadrons open out, still in column, to full
interval, i.e. the width they occupy when in line; and then on the
command "Line to the front," each troop moves up to its place in line as
shown in the diagram. When in line a large body of cavalry can no longer
vary its direction without sacrificing its appearance of order, and as
above pointed out, it is this appearance of order which really decides
the result of the charge before the actual collision. Since, however,
the enemy's movements may compel a change, an intermediate formation is
provided, known as the "half column." When this formation is ordered,
the troops within each squadron wheel half right or left, and each
squadron is then able to form into column or line to the front as
circumstances demand, or the whole line can be formed into column of
troops by continuing the wheel and in this formation gallop out into a
fresh direction, re-forming line by a simple wheel in the shortest
possible time.

[Illustration: Formations]

BIBLIOGRAPHY.--G.H. Elliot, _Cavalry Literature_ (1893); v. Bismarck,
_Uses and Application of Cavalry in War_ (1818, English translation by
Lieut.-Col. Beamish, 1855); G.T. Denison, _A History of Cavalry_
(1877); Prince Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen, _Letters on Cavalry_
and _Conversations on Cavalry_ (English translations, 1880 and 1892);
Colonel Mitchell, _Considerations on Tactics_ (1854) and _Thoughts on
Tactics and Organization_ (1838); E. Nolan, _Cavalry, its History and
Tactics_ (1855); Roemer, _Cavalry, its History, Management and Uses_
(New York, 1863); Maitland, _Notes on Cavalry_ (1878); F.N. Maude,
_Cavalry versus Infantry and Cavalry, its Past and Future_; C. von
Schmidt, _Instructions for the Training, Employment and Leading of
Cavalry_ (English translation, 1881); V. Verdy du Vernois, _The
Cavalry Division_ (1873); Maj.-Gen. Walker, _The Organization and
Tactics of the Cavalry Division_ (1876); C.W. Bowdler Bell, _Notes on
the German Cavalry Regulations of 1886_; F. de Brack, _Light Cavalry
Outposts_ (English translation); Dwyer, _Seats and Saddl