many scattered points along the entire
Austro-Italian front. Neither side apparently had determined as yet
upon any definite plan of operations, or, if they had, they took
special pains to avoid a premature disclosure. To a certain extent the
fighting which occurred was little more than of a reconnoitering
nature. Each side attempted with all the facilities at its command to
improve its positions, even if only in a small way, and to find out
weak spots in the lines of its adversary. It was only natural that
during the process of this type of warfare, fortune should smile one
day on one side and turn its back promptly the next day.

During the first week of April, 1916, there was little to report
anywhere along the front. On the 6th, however, considerable artillery
activity developed along the Isonzo front, where the Italians shelled
once more the city of Goritz. This activity gradually increased in
vehemence. At the end of about two weeks it decreased slightly for a
few days, only to be taken up again with renewed vigor and to be
maintained with hardly a break during the balance of April, 1916.

Coincident with this artillery duel there developed a series of
violent engagements on the Carso plateau to the east of the lower
Isonzo. The first of these occurred on April 12, 1916, when Italian
advance detachments approached Austrian trenches between Monte San
Michelo and San Martino, wrecking them with hand grenades and bombs.
Another engagement of somewhat greater importance occurred on April
22, 1916, east of Selz. Italian infantry, supported by artillery,
despite obstinate resistance occupied strong trenches 350 meters long.
The Austrians receiving reenforcements, violently counterattacked
twice during the night, the second time succeeding in retaking part
of the lost trenches. After a deadly hand-to-hand struggle in which
the Austrians suffered severely, the Italians drove them out,
capturing 133, including six officers, two machine guns, 200 rifles,
several flame throwers, and numerous cases of ammunition and bombs.

The following day, April 23, 1916, Austrian artillery of all calibers
violently shelled the trenches occupied east of Selz, obliging the
Italians to evacuate a small section north of the Selz Valley, which
was especially exposed to the Austrian fire. Another strong attack,
supported by a very destructive gunfire was launched by the Austrians
against these trenches on April 25, 1916, and enabled them to r