This does not mean, of course, that a fleet should remain for long periods within its base; because a fleet, like any other practiser of any art, needs constant practice.

It merely means that the closer the base is to the scene of the operations or the actual battle, the better "tuned up" the personnel and material will be.

It also means that this consideration is of the highest practical importance.
_Advanced Bases_ .-- The extreme desirability of having a base near the scene of operations, even if the base be only temporarily held, has led to the use of what are called "advanced bases." An excellent and modern illustration of an advanced base is the base which the Japanese established at the Elliot Islands about sixty miles from Port Arthur, which the Japanese were besieging.

The Russian fleet could issue from their base at Port Arthur whenever the Russians wished, and return to it at will.

While inside, until the Japanese had landed and attacked them from the land side, the Russians could make their preparations in security and leisure, and then go out.
The Japanese fleet, on the other hand, until they had established their base, were forced to remain under way at sea, and to accept action at the will of the Russians; so that, although Port Arthur was besieged, the advantages of the offensive, to some extent, resided with the Russians.