[Illustration: THE RUSSIAN RETREAT.] On the following day the Japanese made a reconnaissance north, and found that the Russians had two batteries in position at Chin-shan-ling, some twelve miles north of Tashichiao. A forward move from Tashichiao was not made by them until August 1, when the second column went north to Nan-chien-shan without being opposed; the first column, taking the route to the east, worked north from Taipingling by way of Lian-chia-pu-tzu, which is near Ma-shan, and made a frontal attack on the enemy; the third column followed the railway line, keeping to the west, the Russians retiring before this advance; the fourth column was farther west, going in the direction of Old Newchwang. The Japanese, on discovering some of the enemy, adopted somewhat unusual tactics. The middle columns retired about five miles; their artillery took up positions to the east of Tung-chi-ku and Wen-chi-ku, one on each side of the railway. The first, fourth, and fifth columns advanced. The Russians continued to attack the centre, and brought into use two field batteries, and in the afternoon got another one into action at Hsai-chi-ho, opposite the fourth column, but attacking the third column. The third column therefore divided and made a flanking movement from the west in connection with the fourth column, whilst the fifth column on the extreme east also pressed on. The Russians opposed the Japanese with six squadrons of cavalry and some companies of mounted infantry. As these, as well as the two batteries which first opened fire, were all but surrounded by the Japanese, their losses were heavy. The Russian forces, nearly one division in all, escaped by going round to the south of Tan-wan-shan and falling back upon Haicheng. On August 2 the Japanese occupied the road between Old Newchwang and Haicheng. These operations were all made on the open plain, the hills upon which the batteries were posted being little more than round-topped knolls. In these, and other engagements with Russian cavalry, the Japanese use with most effect a manœuvre first practised by German horsemen at the battle of Renty in 1544. The Japanese cavalry ride towards the Cossack lancers as though intending to charge; when they are within thirty yards they halt suddenly, and use their revolvers with deadly effect on the approaching line of lancers, sometimes not five yards distant. The officers state that this is the only way in which the Japanese cavalry has been able to succeed against the Cossacks; in all other tactics which they have used they have been worsted badly.