urchased with much greater loss.

9. Small bodies of cavalry threatened by the enemy's cavalry in greatly
superior force, may sometimes be saved by taking refuge _in an infantry
square_, as practised by Napoleon at the battle of the Pyramids.

10. Cavalry should _remain masked_ as long as possible; for it produces
most effect when its position and movements are hidden, so that a strong
force may suddenly be brought upon a weak point.

For this reason, a flat, open country is less favorable for this arm
than plains with undulations, hills with gentle slopes, woods,
villages, and farms; all these being so many facilities for screening
cavalry from view.

11. Cavalry should never be brought to the front, _except to engage_. It
is unfortunate when the ground is such as to prevent this; for cavalry,
compelled to remain inactive under fire, is in great danger of becoming
demoralized.

12. As to the _ground_:

(1.) Cavalry must not rest its flank on a wood, a village, or other
cover for an enemy, till it has been occupied by our own troops. If
compelled to do so, it should send out patrols to reconnoitre and
observe. Its position is no longer tenable from the moment the enemy
appears within striking distance on its flank.

(2.) It must not be posted on the very ground it is to defend, but in
rear of it; as it acts effectively only by its charge.

Attacking cavalry must have favorable ground in front; defending
cavalry, in rear. An obstacle in either case may be fatal.

IV.--Its Supports.

1. The flanks of cavalry lines or columns are always exposed. They
should, therefore, be protected by _supports_ of light cavalry, which
can act promptly and swiftly. When behind a line, these supports should
be usually in open column, so as to be able to wheel, without a moment's
delay, into line.

2. The _most effectual_ mode of protecting the flank of a line or column
of cavalry is by means of squadrons in rear, formed in echelons
extending outwards; as this exposes the enemy's cavalry that may attempt
to charge the main body in flank to be immediately charged in flank
themselves; which would be destruction. For this purpose, irregular
cavalry may be as effective as any other.

3. This cavalry support or reserve behind the flanks may sometimes play
_an important offensive_ part. The enemy's first line, the instant after
either making or receiving a charge, is always in greater or less
disorder; and a vigorous charge then m