68 THE SEAT. [CHAP. 



This is an invaluable attribute to cavalry, regular or 

 irregular. On the plain, the central wheel of threes 

 affords the only true principle of correcting intervals 

 between squadrons, regiments, or brigades, whether in 

 line or in line of columns. Threes also supply the most 

 perfect principle of retiring in line in the presence of an 

 enemy, with the power of instantly showing front, pro- 

 vided that (according to regulation) leaders are appointed 

 to the rear, the same as to the front. In the defile, for 

 advanced or rear-guard movements, threes alone afford 

 the power to occupy the entire width of a lane, road, 

 street, or defile, with the perfect facility of constant and 

 instant alternation of retiring and advancing. Without 

 some central wheel, columns or divisions occupying the 

 width of a road or street, can not retire ; or when retiring, 

 cannot show front to the enemy. With reining back and 

 passing (and they are easily acquired) irregular cavalry 

 might move with the precision of regular cavalry. 



I should say, that the most perfect seat for the manege 

 should be shortened for the soldier to give him power 



