roverbially a happy one. Those foreign observers who
have seen much of the Italian officers under fire tell me that they
have always led their men with superb valor and determination, while,
though Italy has not such a professional body of N. C. O.'s as
Germany, I believe that most of these men are capable of leading when
their officers fall.

"But there are not enough of good professional officers and N. C. O.'s
to admit for the moment of a considerable further expansion of the
army. Existing formations can be, and are being, well maintained, and
this is what matters most for the moment.

"The peasant in certain parts of Italy rarely eats meat. In the army
he gets 300 to 350 grams a day, according to the season, not to speak
of a kilogram of good bread and plenty of vegetables, besides wine and
tobacco. He is having the time of his life, and if, as cynics say,
peace will break up many happy homes in England, peace in Italy will
certainly make some peasants less joyful than before."

CHAPTER XXXVI

CONTINUATION OF THE ITALIAN COUNTEROFFENSIVE

Between the Adige and the Brenta the retreating Austro-Hungarian
forces had now reached strongly fortified and commanding positions
which considerably increased their power of resistance. The Italians,
however, continued, even if at reduced speed, to make progress. On
June 27, 1916, they shelled Austrian positions on Monte Trappola and
Monte Testo and took trenches near Malga Zugna. Between the Posina and
the Astico they took Austrian positions on Monte Gamonda, north of
Fusine, and Monte Caviojo. Cavalry detachments reached Pedescala (in
the Astico Valley, about three miles north of Arsiero).

On the Asiago Plateau other Italian forces occupied the southern side
of the Assa Valley and reached the slopes of Monte Rasta, Monte
Interrotto and Monte Mosciagh, which were held strongly by the
Austrian rear guards. Further north, after carrying Monte Colombara,
Italian troops began to approach Calamara Valley.

On June 28, 1916, the Vallarsa Alpine troops stormed the fort of
Mattassone, and detachments of infantry carried the ridge of Monte
Trappola. On the Pasubio sector Italian troops took some trenches near
Malga Comagnon. Along the Posina line their advance was delayed by the
fire of heavy batteries from the Borcola.

In the Astico Valley they occupied Pedescala. On the Sette Comuni
Plateau the Austrians strengthened the northern side of the Assa
Valley Heights on