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NANSHAN TO POUT ARTHUR 15
ranges, separated by narrow valleys, torn by
ravines and gorges. The highest part of the
peninsula is some miles to the south-west of
Dalny, where the two mountains Weitoushan and
Kensan rise to a height of some twelve or thirteen
hundred feet above the sea level, towering a
couple of hundred feet above the surrounding
peaks. The direction of the main mountain
ranges is generally from north to south, perpen-
dicular on the Japanese line of advance, thereby
offering many opportunities for a stubborn resist-
ance. But this advantage is, on the other hand,
greatly neutralized by the fact that it would be
impossible for any but a very large force to hold
the long line from sea to sea, and that every-
where there are passes and defiles, through which
an attacking force can make turning movements
and cut off the retreat of the defenders. It was
obvious, therefore, that the best plan for the
Russians would be to take up positions on the
crests and the eastern slopes of the mountain
ranges and defend them, one after the other,
thus harassing and delaying the enemy and
forcing him to deploy and fight, and judiciously
falling back when in danger of being outflanked
and cut off. This is what the Russians did from
May 26th up to July 30th, when they were com-
pelled to seek shelter behind the line of permanent
fortifications.
For the Japanese advance three roads lead to
Port Arthur ;
to the north, the railway and the
main road from Kinchow ;
to the south, a road
along the coast from Dalny ;
and further a central
road, also beginning in Dalny, and continuing
through the middle of the peninsula. Although
this latter route crosses the hilliest and most
broken part of the country, it is fairly level, a
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