dance and instruction are alike lacking; in the second,
because most serious difficulties lie in the way of a practical
adaptation of our training to modern conditions.

In contradistinction to former times, the tasks which await the
Cavalry lie principally in the sphere of strategical operations, and
here is the root of our special difficulty.

Great Armies, with their communications, reconnaissances and raids
under really warlike conditions--that is to say, with their full
allowance of trains and baggage--extended retreats with beaten troops,
and the consequent pursuit, can only with difficulty be represented in
peace, owing to their expense and the consideration necessary to be
shown to local circumstances; but it is precisely in exercises of this
description, which might give a really working representation of the
conditions we shall be called upon to deal with, that circumstances
leave us entirely deficient.

Considering all these conditions, it must be recognised that an ideal
method of instruction is practically beyond the bounds of the
attainable; but for that very reason, in my opinion, we must pursue
with all energy the practically possible, and for the unattainable
find the best substitute we can.

The first point which strikes one, and which lies at the bottom of all
Cavalry undertakings, but in which no real education ever takes place,
is the conduct of patrols, and particularly of those employed for
reconnoitring purposes.

Instruction in the matter is certainly universal, and in the writing
of reports the non-commissioned officers have considerable practice,
but no uniform or systematic method or fixed principle is observed,
and the practical performances of the men are subject to no superior
check. It is left to the Leaders to apply practically their, for the
most part, very nebulous, theoretical knowledge. The young officer in
particular is altogether left to his own devices; no one takes the
trouble to teach him what is essential, and yet he is expected to
instruct his inferiors. The consequences are what might be
anticipated. The performances of the patrols in covering distances are
generally most commendable, but their reports most deficient. Seldom
is a clear distinction drawn between the essential and the
non-essential; the most trivial news is forwarded with the same
expenditure of horses' power as matter of greatest moment; for most
patrol Leaders find it very difficult, for want of an imag