The Austrians had left no troops in Piedmont, except the cavalry in barracks and a few posts of observation.

There were no obstacles to contend with except those of nature.

Operations were begun at once.
Sledges had been made to transport the guns; but narrow as they might be, they were still too wide for the road.

Some other means must be devised.

The trunks of pines were hollowed and the guns inserted.