For passing through thinly scattered timber without underbrush,[335] company column is a suitable formation, and for dense woods platoons advancing either abreast or echeloned, each platoon in line of squads in columns of files. If the platoons or sections were to advance in single file, the columns would be too long, and it would be next to impossible to maintain the intervals. The six or eight small columns of files of a platoon are, on the other hand, close enough together to keep each other in view; besides, they are easily and quickly deployed for firing and charging, and can meander through the woods more readily than an organization in close order. Moreover, the leaders can exercise better control over the men than in skirmish line, which invariably bunches up at the places that are most easily passed, while connection is not maintained at all at other points and march direction and cohesion is lost. (See the passage of the Bois de Givodeau during the battle of Beaumont).[336] [335] See _Taktik_, VI, p. 117, et seq. [336] See _Taktik_, VI, p. 125, with sketch. HOPFFGARTEN-HEIDLER, _Beaumont_, p. 112, et seq. Examples: The conduct of the infantry of the IXth Army Corps in passing through the Niederwald of Wörth, may serve as a model. KUNZ, _Kriegsgeschichtliche Beispiele_, 13, p. 108, et seq. Engagement of La Landrière on January 11th, 1871. _Geschichte des Regiments Nr. 20_, p. 292. _Wald- und Ortsgefecht_, p. 109. 2. THE RENCONTRE.[337] (Pars. 315-317 and 352-361 German I. D. R.). [337] See also _Taktik_, V, p. 192, et seq. “Uncertainty and haziness of the situation are the rule in war. During marches in campaign the opponents will frequently not gain detailed information of each other until they come into actual contact. Thus the rencontre develops out of a collision of route columns.” (Par. 352 German I. D. R.).