It was very strong in front, and it had widely spread formidable flanking hills to hamper those turning movements which had so often been fatal to the Boer generals.

Behind was the uncut railway line along which the guns could in case of need be removed.

The whole position was over fifteen miles from wing to wing, and it was well known to the Boer general that Lord Roberts had no longer that preponderance of force which would enable him to execute wide turning movements, as he had done in his advance from the south.

His army had decreased seriously in numbers.

The mounted men, the most essential branch of all, were so ill horsed that brigades were not larger than regiments.