Artillery barrages should only be placed on ground over which the attack is bound to pass. Containing barrages are always most effectual, because the attacking force is necessarily confined within a few known channels. Trenches, underground posts and dug outs are most useful, but their construction is a long and diffi cult process; breastworks must often suffice.
Dumps are useful as ensuring the continuance of supplies if in terrupted from the rear; here again telpher lines are desirable. Alpine Operations.—The special units ("Alpini" and moun tain artillery) to which these are entrusted should preferably operate in areas believed to be impassable, or little known, so as to have the advantage of effecting a surprise. They should never
be hampered by anxiety for their communications. A concerted attack is out of the question. Companies, and even smaller units, must operate independently, preferably at high altitudes ; they should use the method of infiltration and skilfully envelop their opponents, avoiding frontal attacks. Sometimes heavily concen trated fire may be desirable, sometimes silence and a surprise at tack with hand-grenades and the bayonet. Generally speaking, the greater the difficulties of the terrain, the greater the necessity for manoeuvring, taking advantage of night, fog and inclement weather.