The above gives a tolerably fair idea of the strength and constitution of the Army of the British Empire. The Navy, it is true, is still our first line of defence, as it has been for hundreds of years; but although the best in the world, it is not yet large enough for our needs. Our Regular Army has also been shown to be barely large enough. It is, therefore, doubly necessary to keep the Army at a high pitch of efficiency, and fully supplied with everything needful, in order that if we ever come into collision with one of the colossal European powers detailed in the following pages, we shall not be found wanting. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 1: This article has been entirely re-written by the Translator.] [Footnote 2: The Colonial forces really form a class between the two, but may be taken here with the Active Army.] [Footnote 3: The Militia Ballot Act.] [Footnote 4: _I.e._, West India Regiment, Malta Artillery, etc.] [Footnote 5: More than 40 per cent. of would-be recruits are annually rejected by the doctors.] [Footnote 6: Blue in the 16th and white in the 17th Lancers.] [Footnote 7: Crimson in the 11th Hussars and brick-red in the lévée dress of the officers of the 10th Hussars.] [Footnote 8: The Black Brunswick Hussars came over to England after Waterloo, and their uniform was so greatly admired that the 60th and 95th, who were in process of being changed from Light Infantry to Rifle regiments, adapted their Hussar uniform to the Infantry pattern.] [Footnote 9: With one or two exceptions.] [Footnote 10: Though liable to fifty-six days.] THE GERMAN ARMY. [Sidenote: +The German Empire.+] [Illustration: Prussian Hussar of the Guard.] It was in the autumn of 1870, during the Franco-German War, that the preliminary arrangements were made for the forthcoming consolidation of the German Empire. Up to that time, Germany consisted of a multitude of States, each with its own Government and its own Army. The interests of these States, ranging as they did from kingdoms down to small principalities, were extremely conflicting, and internal hostility was frequently the result. The one great aim of King William of Prussia was to see them all united into one Empire, and defended by one Army. Aided by the genius of Bismarck, the negotiations were brought to a successful conclusion, and on the 18th January, 1871, William of Prussia was declared Emperor of Germany with the title of William I. At the same time the forces of the different States were combined, and the present German Army is the result. [Illustration: Prussian Garde du Corps. Court full-dress.] In peace and war this United Army is under the command of the Emperor, and each man is bound by oath to render him faithful and loyal service.