129.] Osman now entrenched himself on the open downs that stretch eastwards from Plevna.

As will be seen by reference to the map on page 213, his position, roughly speaking, formed an ellipse pointing towards the village of Grivitza.

Above that village his engineers threw up two great redoubts which dominated the neighbourhood.

Other redoubts and trenches screened Plevna on the north-east and south.

Finally, the crowns of three main slopes lying to the east of Plevna bristled with defensive works.