(5.) They prevent the columns from halting to deploy and fire. (6.) They may sometimes conceal the direction of the march of the attacking column, and even seize the guns that have been playing on it. 10. In defence, if they can _encircle the enemy's advancing column_, they may destroy it by their concentric fire. 11. In a retreat, skirmishers _cover the rear_, so long as the enemy attacks without cavalry. 12. The NEW RIFLED ARMS have obviously much increased the effectiveness of skirmishers. B. HOW POSTED. 1. They should be always _near enough to the main body to be supported by it_, if hard pressed, and also to enable the main body to profit at once of any advantage that may have been gained by them. 2. They should _cover the main body_, both in front and in flank, except where the ground may render this impracticable or unnecessary; and, in defensive positions, they should occupy every point from which the enemy's skirmishers might annoy us. 3. In a defensive combat, they should be so posted as to take the enemy's attack _in flank_: (1.) Because their fire will be thus the more destructive; and-- (2.) They will not be exposed to be driven back by the enemy's fire, or by his advance. 4. If thrown into an enclosure, they must have _an easy exit_. Skirmishers feeling themselves in danger of being cut off, will lose somewhat of that coolness which is so essential to their efficiency. 5. They should not be kept stationary _behind a straight line_, as a wall, a fence, or a hedge; for this would expose them to enfilade. 6. Skirmishers are only auxiliary to the main force, and are not capable, by themselves, of effecting any decisive result. Therefore, in order not to exhaust the men, _heavy_ skirmishing lines should not be used, except to lead a decided advance, or to repel one. 7. The principle is, to post skirmishers so as to give them the _maximum of shelter_, whilst inflicting the _maximum of loss_ on the enemy. This applies to the placing of the whole line, and to the separate groups. The way skirmishers produce their effect is by sharpshooting, which requires calmness; and the more completely sheltered they are, the calmer they will be, and the more deadly will be their aim. C. HOW HANDLED. 1. Deploy them _before coming within range of musketry_; for infantry in compact order is a good target for the enemy. 2. They should be kept _well in hand_; especially at the moment of success, when they are in danger of rushing headlong to destruction. 3. Coming upon the enemy's main body, they should _occupy him in front and flank_ till our own main body gets up. 4. Except in urgent cases, never deploy a line of skirmishers _on a run_; for this makes them lose breath and calmness, and, with their calmness, their accuracy of aim. So, after deployment, avoid all rapid and violent movements. 5. Skirmishers become exhausted after long firing. The longer they continue out, the worse they shoot. Therefore, _relieve them often_.