Owing to the complexity of all modern affairs, the continuous advance in technical skill and in the character of warlike weapons, as also in the increased requirements expected from the individual, long and minute preparations are necessary to procure the highest military values.

Allusion has already been made to this at the beginning of this chapter.

It takes a year to complete a 30-centimetre cannon.

If it is to be ready for use at a given time, it must have been ordered long beforehand.

Years will pass before the full effect of the strengthening of the army, which is now being decided on, appears in the rolls of the Reserve and the Landwehr.