ON ACTIVE SERVICE 8i 



so many hea\-y draught horses, hght draught horses and mules, chargers, 

 riders other than chargers, and pack animals. According to the proximity 

 of the Armv and the whereabouts of the nearest base remount depot the 

 orders are given. Thus an army holding the northern part of the line would 

 naturally be supplied by a depot or depots situated nearest to it. 



At one time it was the rule to have horses so ordered dispatched by special 

 train, each in charge of a conducting officer, who would be responsible for 



An old trench will make a capital stable when the sun shines. 



proper watering and feeding en route and the safe delivery of them to the 

 Deputy Director at railhead. This procedure in certain cases is still followed, 

 but whenever possible the animals are now marched by road and by stages 

 to their destination. The advantages are distinct. Rolling stock on the 

 railw^ays is thereb}^ spared for other urgent needs, while the steady march 

 is good for the animals themselves. It is good for them physically, for when 

 they arrive they must be better rather than worse for the road work they have 



