ay, and the city could not be reached by any other than
his high velocity guns, and they seldom troubled to shell the place,
and when they did so, from time to time, the fire was chiefly directed
on the railway station and sidings in the vicinity.

An equally peaceful time fell to the lot of those who were at the
wagon lines. They were situated just off the main Arras-Souchez road,
within easy reach of the former place. Accommodation for Officers and
men was provided by Nissen huts, containing stoves, while the horses
had good covered-in standings, with mud walls surrounding them for
protection against bombing raids.

The transport of ammunition to the guns was easily conducted, as
excellent roads ran the whole way, and every care was taken to (p. 072)
keep the horses up to condition. The frost did not continue and
in the early months of the year the weather was wonderfully bright and
mild, and many a good gallop could be had in the neighbourhood, as
there was a fine stretch of open ground close to the wagon line.

The horses undoubtedly had a better time than it is usually possible
to give them during the winter months. The war horse is an
extraordinarily intelligent animal and appreciates anything done for
him in the way of comfort. He also becomes very cute and cunning, and
always knows the routine of the day, and can tell his time of feeding
almost to the minute, and, if allowed, would go by himself
automatically to the water troughs and return to his own particular
standing in the stable.

One horse familiarly known by the name of "Shrapnel," owing to several
wounds of that kind which refused to close up, and completely heal,
knew at once when he was "warned" for the line. Now, he disliked going
out at nights, and consequently was in the habit of "scrimp-shanking,"
and proceeded forthwith to go lame. At first he managed to fool
everybody, but on close investigation it was discovered that nothing
at all was the matter with him.

Another fine beast, which at one time must have been ill-treated, when
he came to us had a bad rope gall on his near hind, and was extremely
nervous at being touched. After hours of coaxing he allowed his
section officer and driver to handle him, and, at length, showed great
affection to them both, but woe betide any other member of the
battery, who attempted to go near him, back went his ears and out went
his feet at once!

About the middle of February, a feeling of uneasiness ev