Since the battle of Colenso all their positions had been strengthened, especially {p.294} the eastern portion south of the river, previously comparatively neglected; and continuous entrenchments now extended from Hlangwane east for three miles to a treeless height named Green Hill.

East of this, again, and connected with it, is a range called Monte Cristo, which runs north-west to the Tugela.

This district south of the river, and between it and the entrenchments just mentioned, is for the most part rugged and intricate, but less so than the region west of Colenso and north of the stream.
The occupation of Hussar Hill on February 12 was for reconnaissance only.

The force was afterwards withdrawn.

On the 14th the real movement began.