always _in column_ when expecting to manoeuvre,
or to be called on to make any rapid movement; this being the formation
best adapted for celerity.

5. Cavalry deploys _in lines_--

(1.) When preparing for a charge in line.

(2.) When preparing for any attack requiring the utmost possible width
of front; as where the enemy is to be suddenly surrounded.

(3.) When it becomes necessary in order to prevent our troops from being
outflanked by the enemy's.

(4.) When exposed to continued artillery fire, which is much less
destructive on a line than on a column.

6. Cavalry should always present _a front at least equal to the
enemy's_; otherwise, its flank, which is cavalry's weak point, will be
exposed to attack. When inferior in numbers, we may extend our line by
leaving intervals, more or less wide, between its different corps. Any
hostile squadrons that may attempt to pass through these intervals to
take the line in rear, could be taken care of by the second line.

7. The best formation in respect to _mobility_ is a line of regiments in
columns by squadrons, doubled on the centre; corresponding to infantry
double columns.

8. The _mixed formation_ of lines and columns is more manageable than
simple lines. Which of these two is preferable depends upon the ground,
and upon all the other circumstances of the case.

9. The order _in echelons_ is as good in attack as in retreat; since the
echelons mutually support each other.

10. Decidedly the most objectionable of all cavalry formations is that
in _deep columns_:

(1.) From the almost entire loss which it involves of its sabres, which
are cavalry's peculiar and most effective weapon.

(2.) From the long flanks which it exposes to attack.

11. The formation in _one rank_, instead of two, has been introduced by
the new Cavalry Tactics, though it has been as yet but partially adopted
in the field.

This innovation has two advantages. It doubles the number of sabres to
be used against the enemy; and it enables the cavalry to cover double
the ground; thus doubling, also, its power to outflank, which is a
valuable advantage, especially when opposed to cavalry.

Its disadvantage is, that it must, more or less seriously, impair the
solidity and vigor of the cavalry charge proper; in which a whole line,
with "boot to boot" compactness, comes at once to the shock, like some
terrific mechanical engine; and in which the riders in the front rank
are compelled to dash o