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Were such a thing as concealment possible, it should be the first thing of importance to be kept in mind. Listening posts, machine gun positions, reserve dugouts, company, battalion and regimental headquarters, and similar things, at some distance behind or on fire lines, may be concealed, but fire-trenches are sure to be observed sooner or later (mostly sooner) by aeroplane and other means of observation, and it is best that one should admit the impracticability of concealment at once and take the proper protective measures. If opportunity for concealment offers itself, as it may do, according to the lay of the land, it should be taken always. It should always be kept in mind that one should try to place himself in the position of having the enemy’s point of view, both from his trenches and his aerial observations.

Advantage should be taken and even care given along trenches to the extensive cultivation of the weeds, grasses, etc., that may grow rapidly in the excavated soil.

It is, and always will be, a matter of much argument that trenches should not be dug near hedges, ditches, roads or rows of trees, on account of easy ranging mark given to the enemy artillery. In a country where such things are scarce, the idea may have a leg to stand on, but certainly to the Western Front it does not apply. It does not take artillery a moment to approximate by ranging shot, check by deduction or addition the range of trenches in any area, even if lying along a hedge or road. The ditch or hedge in some cases will provide the starting of a trench and offer fair amount of cover from fire to the troops working. A ditch immediately in front or behind the trench greatly helps to solve the many and varied difficulties of drainage, and when in front of a trench, can be made into a formidable obstacle, generally by throwing in varied lengths of barbed wire. Trenches under the cover of a hedge are very often safe from aerial observation, and even when located, sniping and observation can be carried on from them if the contours of the ground are favorable. It is always possible to do a certain amount of repairing and moving of troops only when unobserved from the enemy’s trenches. If advantage is not taken of these natural protections, such as hedges and trees, then they must be destroyed.