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44 



A HISTORY OF CAVALRY. 



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" If you make such a fuss about a few broken necks, 

 your Majesty will never have the bold horsemen you 

 require for the field." 



The phylarchs, or commanders of squadrons, are 

 urged to attend to the details of equipping, and super- 

 intending the exercises of the contingents under their 

 immediate orders, and are told to endeavour to excel 

 all their men in horsemanship and all the other duties 

 of a cavalry soldier, setting thereby a good example, 

 and securing also more respect and a more ready 

 obedience. 



The lance, he says, should be carried pointing forwards 

 over the horse's head between his ears. The movements 

 he details, however, are generally parade movements to 

 be performed before the Senate in order that the force 

 might be approved, as it was the law in Athens for no 

 man to serve in the cavalry without having first been 

 inspected and approved. 



In marching on active service he suggests that in 

 order to give rest to the backs of the horses, as well as 

 to aflbrd relief tO the riders, the commander should move 

 them at a moderate pace, and at times dismount the 

 men and let the force march leading their horses. This 

 is an idea that should always be borne in mind in 

 making forced marches, for it is a great relief to both 

 man and horse, and gives a considerable amount of rest 

 with very little loss of time. 



The method given for increasing or diminishing the 

 front of the column is Tr»uch the same as that in use in 

 modern times. He says in marching through narrow 

 passes you must lead your men in single file. In 

 broad roads extend the front of each tribe, and in 

 the open plain you must form all the tribes in a solid 

 body. 



He advises extraordinary scouts in advance of the 

 ordinary ones in an enemy's country +o give timely 

 notice of the proximity^ of the foe. His idea is 

 evidently that ^ . addition to the usual advanced 

 guard there should be small reconnoitring parties still 

 further in advance ; a precaution of value in all ages. 



