82 
THE FRENCH MANOEUVRES OF 189 i. 
The supply of hay available seemed very scanty, and straw was 
mainly used for food, the trusses being simply opened and the straw 
shaken out in front of each horse. As all threshing is done by the 
somewhat primitive plan of flailing, it is probable that a certain amount 
of grain remains in the stalks, so that a good deal more nutriment is 
left in the straw than would be the case if threshed out by machinery. 
Straw is, however, largely used for feeding all over the Continent, and 
the results of a number of experiments made in feeding on straw and 
other foods, as given by Major Phillpotts in a back number of the R.A. 
Institution “ Proceedings,” showed that horses could do severe work 
on a straw ration without loss of weight. 
The front rank men, who were armed with lances, seemed a good 
deal overloaded by sword, carbine and lance, but although the officers 
said it was difficult to make men efficient in handling the latter weapon, 
where the time at their, disposal was so limited, still they were in favour 
of its introduction. A very useful part of the Cavalry equipment is a 
strong canvas water bucket, which closes up after the manner of an 
opera hat, and which was put to a great many uses. The Cavalry 
officers are, in the matter of dress and general appearance, much the 
smartest in the French army, the flowing dimensions which their 
‘pantaloons have recently assumed, savour very much of Mr. Tantz, or 
rather more so. The men, on the other hand, are badly turned out, 
and would, in appearance, make a very poor show alongside of a trooper 
from any Cavalry regiment in our service. Their tunics are badly 
made, while their overalls are fitted as if the rider's leg was simply put 
inside of a loose sack, with a trimming of leather at the bottom. The 
cuirasses do not strike one as being very serviceable for modern war¬ 
fare, and must be very cumbersome for the wearer. 
France has left nothing undone to bring its army to a high state of 
efficiency, and science has been largely used in achieving this end. 
The employment of balloons had a very striking effect. Gfeneral de 
Gallifet, who commanded the Eastern Army, was such a firm believer 
in the advantage they gave on the battle-field, that he commanded 
at one of the main engagements from .the car of his balloon, communi¬ 
cating his orders by telephone to the staff below. The power of 
observation, which can be obtained from an altitude of 1000 feet, is 
very great; not only can the enemy be distinctly seen, but what is of 
equal, or even more importance, is the rapidity with which the progress 
and movements of one's own army can be at once seen and orders 
issued, as may be considered necessary without a moment's delay. 
The powder in use by the Artillery and Infantry is absolutely smoke¬ 
less. All officers spoke very highly of it, and said that it deteriorated 
in no way through being kept. To the spectator a battle has become a 
most striking sight, the movements of all troops can be seen, and the 
general effect is most vivid and brilliant. The difficulties with which a 
Commander-in-Chief has to contend in the matter of knowing exactly 
what his troops are doing and how the fight is progressing, should be 
very considerably diminished, as he can now see distinctly everything 
which takes place before him. The advantage given to the defenders 
is considerable, and particularly so to the Artillery of the defence; guns 
