Cross salty marshes quickly; do not linger near them. If by chance compelled to fight in the neighbourhood of a marsh, seek a place where there is water and grass, and trees in plenty in the rear. In open country place the army in a convenient place with rising ground in the right rear; so that while in front lies death, behind there is safety. Such is war in flat country. Huangti, by observing these things, gained the victory over four Princes. As a rule, the soldiers prefer high ground to low. They prefer sunny places to those the sun does not reach. If the health of the troops be considered, and they are encamped on high and sunny ground, diseases will be avoided, and victory made certain. If there be rising ground, encamp on its sunny side and in front of it; for thereby the soldiers are benefited, and the ground used to our advantage. If, owing to rains in the upper reaches, the river become turbulent, do not cross until the waters have quieted. Steep and impassable valleys; well-like places; confined places; tangled impenetrable ground; swamps and bogs; narrow passages with pitfalls:--quickly pass from these, and approach them not. Cause the enemy to approach near to them, but keep yourself from these places; face them, so that the enemy has them in his rear. If there be near to the army, precipices, ponds, meres, reeds and rushes, or thick forests and trees, search them thoroughly. These are places where the enemy is likely to be in ambush. When the enemy is close, but quiet, he is strong in reliance on natural defences. If the enemy challenge to fight from afar, he wishes you to advance. If the enemy be encamped in open country, it is with some special object in view. Movement among the trees shows that the enemy is advancing. Broken branches and trodden grass, as of the passing of a large host, must be regarded with suspicion. The rising of birds shows an ambush. Startled beasts show that the enemy is stealthily approaching from several sides. High, straight spurts of dust betoken that chariots are coming. Long, low masses of dust show the coming of infantry. Here and there, thin and high columns of dust are signs that firewood and fodder are being collected. Small clouds of dust moving to and fro are signs that the enemy is preparing to encamp for a short time. Busy preparations and smooth words show that the enemy is about to advance to attack. Big words, and the spurring forward of horsemen, are signs that the enemy is about to retire. An advance of the light chariots to the flanks of the camp is a sign that the enemy is coming forth to fight. Without consultation, suddenly to desire an armistice, is a mark of ulterior design. The passing to and fro of messengers, and the forming up of troops, show that the enemy has some movement on foot. An advance, followed by sudden retirement, is a lure to attack. When the enemy use their weapons to rest upon, they are hungry.