612 



A HISTORY OF CAVALRY. 



[period VI. 



Cavalry is a very difficult arm to handle in the field ; 

 it easily gets out of hand, and becomes dispersed. It 

 can only be employed mounted, where the ground is 

 favourable. Cavalry proper is not suitable for defence, 

 and can only resist an attack by making an anticipatory 

 onset. Its reputation is not affected by a repulse, for 

 cavalry that has been overthrown and driven off the 

 field in confusion has often rallied and reappeared con- 

 fident and victorious. 



Cavalry is as necessary to cover the retreat of a beaten 

 army as to pursue an enemy when victorious. The 

 charge of cavalry should be rapid and unexpected, and 

 must be made with confidence and pushed "home." 

 When the order to charge is once given, caution should 

 give way to impetuosity. 



Cavalry-men require to be more intelligent and better 

 drilled than in the other forces. On outpost duty, 

 patrolling, and reconnoitring, the men are often obliged 

 to be self-reliant and to use their own judgment. This 

 does not occur to anything like the same extent in the 

 infantry or artillery. 



