134 



A HISTORY OF CAVALRY. 



fpERIOD II» 



of the bow, used the large buckler and tv?o javelins. 

 They wore gauntlets of iron, and used ornamented 

 housings for their chargers. The horses, particularly 

 those of the officers, had breastplates, and frontlets of 

 iron or of felt. Neck-pieces and side-pieces were placed 

 upon the chargers of those who fought in the front ranks, 

 so that they were almost covered with armour. The 

 bits were suitable and strong. The saddles, which by 

 this time were generally in use, were roomy in the seat, 

 had two stirrups, a valise, and a saddle-bag, in which 

 could be carried three or four days' provisions. Shoes of 

 iron were in use also in this age, fastened by nails to the 

 hoof. The horse-trappings were ornamented with a tuft 

 or plume upon the head, ' i^^eral on the saddle-cloth, as 

 well as one hanging under tne horse's jaw. Attached to 

 the saddle was a sheath containing a battle-axe, with a 

 blade on one side and a point on the other. 



The soldier was provided with a great-coat or cloak, 

 made loose and easy, and intended to be worn as the 

 modern cloak over the arms and armour, so as to 

 protect the wearer in bad weather, and to preserve his 

 cuirass, his bow, and his other trappings from injury 

 from the rain. They were used on vidette duty, and 

 while engaged as scouts, partly for warmth, and partly 

 to hide the glitter of the arms, from betraying their 

 presence from afar. 



The cavalry were formed up only four deep, because 

 they had discovered that the surplus was useless, for 

 among horsemen the rear ranks cannot press forward and 

 support those in front, as can be done among infantry in 

 the phalanx formatioji, and the rear ranks, whether 

 archers or lancers, could not give much aid to those in 

 the front. 



In action the pennons were taken off the lances, as 

 they were likely ito be in the way, and were placed in 

 cases. Small parties of cavalry were sent out from each 

 turma in advance of the main body to reconnoitre the 

 ground, and warn their comrades of any ambush or 

 snare, into which the enemy might be endeavouring to 

 lead them. 



