ense shells filled
with a high explosive which detonate with terrific violence and form
craters large enough to act as graves for five horses.

The German howitzer shells are from 8 to 9 inches in calibre, and on
impact they send up columns of greasy black smoke. On account of this
they are irreverently dubbed "coal boxes," "black Marias," or "Jack
Johnsons" by the soldiers. Men who take things in this spirit are, it
seems, likely to throw out the calculations based on the loss of morale
so carefully framed by the German military philosophers.

A considerable amount of information has been gleaned from prisoners. It
has been gathered that our bombardment on the 15th produced a great
impression. The opinion is also reported that our infantry make such
good use of ground that the German companies are decimated by our rifle
fire before the British soldier can be seen.

From an official diary captured by the First Army Corps it appears that
one of the German corps contains an extraordinary mixture of units. If
the composition of the other corps is similar, it may be assumed that
the present efficiency of the enemy's forces is in no way comparable
with what it was when the war commenced.

The losses in officers are noted as having been especially severe. A
brigade is stated to be commanded by a Major; some companies of food
guards by one-year volunteers; while after the battle of Montmirail one
regiment lost fifty-five out of sixty officers. The prisoners recently
captured appreciate the fact that the march on Paris has failed and that
their forces are retreating, but state that the object of this movement
is explained by the officers as being to withdraw into closer touch
with the supports, which have stayed too far in the rear.

The officers are also endeavoring to encourage the troops by telling
them that they will be at home by Christmas. A large number of the men
believe that they are beaten. Following is an extract from one document:

"With the English troops we have great difficulties. They have a queer
way of causing losses to the enemy. They make good trenches, in which
they wait patiently; they carefully measure the ranges for their rifle
fire, and they open a truly hellish fire on the unsuspecting cavalry.
This was the reason that we had such heavy losses.

"According to our officers, the English striking forces are exhausted;
the English people really never wanted war."

From another source: "The English