PIPE It YL-BENZAM IDE. [PirEarsx.] PIPERYL-CT.T3IINAMIDE. [PirraisE.] PIPERYL-SULPHOCARBA3IIC ACID. [PirEamr..] MERYL-UREA. [PirEliciv..] PlQUETS, or PICKETS. All armies and smaller bodies of men, in camp or bivouac, are protected against surprise by small detachments of troops termed piquets, thrown out on their front and flanks. There are two descriptions of piquets, the outlying and inlying piquets, whose strength depend of course on the length of front to be watched and the liability of attack. The outlying piquet is advanced a consider able distance in front of the camp, while the inlying piquet generally remains in camp ready accoutred to turn out at a moment's notice to support the outlying piquets : communication between the two sets being maintained by sentries conveniently posted for hearing and observing any alarm in front, and if necessary by patrolling to the advanced posts. The general duties of the outlying piquets are to insure the safety and repose of the camp, to gain intelli gence of the enemy's movements as early as possible, and even of his intentions by examining the peasantry, and to prevent his making reconnaissances; with this object they are posted with a chain of double sentries in front, on the same principle that light troops are extended to cover a line, with supports in their rear, and if far from the main body with a reserve also. Each company on piquet is divided into three reliefs, one relief being extended on sentry while the other two are in support, the sentries being relieved every hour during the night. As a further precaution against surprise, and as a means of obtaining information, frequent patrolling is directed along the front of the line of sentries, and, if the enemy's posts be far oft along the roads in their direction, as far as is deemed expedient. These patrols are preceded by feelers, quick intelligent men ; and, avoiding all unnecessary firing, so as not to create false alarms, retire steadily, and if possible unob served, on the piquets, on finding themselves in presence of the enemy.
A strong patrol should always be sent out about an hour before day light, when the whole of the advanced piquets are also got under arms, as this is the time when an attack is most likely to be made ; for this reason, also, piqucts are generally relieved at this hour, as a great accession of force is thus obtained. In the daytime the sentries should be on high ground, the better to observe the enemy's movements ; whilst at night they should have the highest ground before them, in order to see an approachiog party against the sky without being them The duties of officers in command of piquets is to give immediate information of any signs indicating the intention of the enemy to make an attack, such as a strengthening of the outposts, unusual movement of troops, noise of artillery on the march, &c. Should an attack be made, the object of the piquets is by all meaniin their power to gain sufficient time to enable the main body in their rear to get under arms and prepare for action. Hence the poste should be strengthened by breastworks, abbatis, &c., which the piquet should defend as long as its flanks are not attacked. It is not the object of piquets that they should defend themselves to the last, or shutting themselves up in a house or enclosure be cut off, but rather that they should retire steadily on the main body, disputing every available obstacle ; but, at the same time, in an extreme case an officer must remember that it is his duty to sacrifice himself rather than be driven in on the main body before it has had time to form.