222 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



In addition to the numbers given above, 2 officers' servants are allowed to each squadron. 



The general rule is, that about 10 per cent, of the men are dismounted ; it is stated by some of 

 their cavahy officers that 20 per cent, would, in time of war, be a better proportion. 



The dismounted men remain at tlic depot, or ride in the wagons ; they never use the horses 

 of the other men, and do all the dismounted duty, take care of the led horses, those of the 

 sergeants, &c. 



Each regiment has a depot which, during peace, consists of 30 men ; in time of war, it has the 

 same strengtli as the other squadrons, and supplies men to fill the vacancies which occur. 

 The junior 1st captain of the regiment usually commands the depot, but after 2 years' service 

 with it, he may demand to be replaced by a senior 1st captain. 



In time of peace, the depot is usually with the headquarters of the regiment ; during war, it is 

 placed at some spot convenient to the line of operations of the regiment. In war, the remount 

 horses are kept with the depot until they can join the service squadrons. During the Hungarian 

 war, there was one instance when there were 1,000 horses with the depot of a regiment of lancers 

 which formed part of the garrison of the besieged place of Temesvar. 



TACTICS AND INSTRUCTION. 



In order to give an idea of the general tone of the tactics, a few extracts will be given, relating 

 chiefly to the seat and the early instruction of the recruits. 



For the cavalry, equitation is of the greatest importance. 



It consists not only in the ability to sit the horse, but also in knowing how to conduct and use 

 him under all circumstances. 



The object of the cavalry instruction is to accomplish this purjjose in the shortest time, and in 

 the simplest manner, suited to the mental and physical qualities of the soldiers. 



Therefore, no intricate system of equitation will answer the purpose, although the instruction 

 of the non-commissioned officers may be carried further than that of the privates. 



The instruction in the riding school is intended to give the rider sufficient skill to enable him, 

 by means of the various aids, to control the horse, and cause him to execute all possible move- 

 ments, and at the same time to give such a position to the upper part of the body and the arms 

 as will cause the rider the least fatigue, and enable him to use his weapons with the greatest 

 effect. 



It is an absolute rule that the recruit must never be passed from one lesson to another until 

 he fully comprehends, and can execute well, all that precedes. 



Good judgment, tranquillity, patience, and mild treatment, are the most important qualities in 

 an instructor. 



The strength of neither horse nor man should be over taxed. 



An experienced and skilful instructor will always go to work with circumspection, and never 

 allow himself to be induced by passion to demand more of man or horse than they are in condi- 

 tion to perform, or the end in view requires. 



The instruction must progress only according to proficiency ; therefore, any practice in the 

 various turns, or in passaging, while the requisite preliminary instruction is wanting, is not 

 only useless, but injurious. 



Besides teaching the recruit the ordinary care of his horse, he must also be made familiar 

 with the different parts of his equipment, and be taught how to saddle, pack, and bridle his 



horse. 



In addition, before being taught to ride, he must receive some instruction in tlie position of 



