shirt, white
biscuit bags, &c., were exhibited all along the line, and many men
hoisted their helmets on their rifles.

In the fighting behind intrenchments the Germans endeavor to gain
ground by making advances in line at dusk or just before dawn, and
then digging themselves in, in the hope, no doubt, that they may
eventually get so near as to be able, as at manoeuvres, to reach
the hostile trenches in a single rush. They have never succeeded in
doing this against us. If by creeping up in dead ground they do
succeed in gaining ground by night, they are easily driven back by
fire in the morning. A few of the braver men sometimes remain
behind, at ranges of even 300 or 400 yards, and endeavor to inflict
losses by sniping. Sharpshooters, also, are often noticed in trees
or wriggling about until they get good cover. The remedy is to take
the initiative and detail men to deal with the enemy's
sharpshooters.

A few night attacks have been made against us. Before one of them a
party crept up close to the British line and set alight a hayrick,
so that it should form a beacon on which the centre of the
attacking line marched. Generally, however, in the night and early
morning attacks, groups of forty or fifty men have come on, the
groups sometimes widely separated from one another and making every
endeavor to obtain any advantage from cover. Light balls and
searchlights have on some occasions been used. Latterly the attacks
have become more and more half-hearted. Against us the enemy has
never closed with the bayonet. The German trenches I have seen were
deep enough to shelter a man when firing standing, and had a step
down in rear for the supports to sit in.

As regards our own men, there was at first considerable reluctance
to intrench, as has always been the case at the commencement of a
war. Now, however, having bought experience dearly, their defenses
are such that they can defy the German artillery fire.

VI.

*Becomes an Artillery Duel*.

[Made Public Oct. 10.]

Comparative calm on our front has continued through the fine and
considerably warmer weather. The last six days have been slightly misty
with clouds hanging low, so that conditions have not been very favorable
for aerial reconnoissance.

In regard to the latter, it is astonishing how quickly