After much talking the following measures were resolved upon and immediately executed.
Spendius proceeded with fifteen thousand men as far as the bridge built across the Macaras, three miles from Utica; the corners of it were fortified with four huge towers provided with catapults; all the paths and gorges in the mountains were stopped up with trunks of trees, pieces of rock, interlacings of thorn, and stone walls; on the summits heaps of grass were made which might be lighted as signals, and shepherds who were able to see at a distance were posted at intervals.
No doubt Hamilcar would not, like Hanno, advance by the mountain of the Hot Springs.

He would think that Autaritus, being master of the interior, would close the route against him.

Moreover, a check at the opening of the campaign would ruin him, while if he gained a victory he would soon have to make a fresh beginning, the Mercenaries being further off.

Again, he could disembark at Cape Grapes and march thence upon one of the towns.

But he would then find himself between the two armies, an indiscretion which he could not commit with his scanty forces.
Accordingly he must proceed along the base of Mount Ariana, then turn to the left to avoid the mouths of the Macaras, and come straight to the bridge.