Each echelon covers the flank of that which precedes it; and all may be combined towards a single object, and extended with the necessary _ensemble_.

At the battle of the Pyramids, Napoleon formed the oblique order in echelon by squares.

Portions of his forces were arranged in echelon in some of his other battles.
(Figure 25.) The combined order in columns on the centre and one extremity at the same time, is better suited than either of the preceding for attacking a strong contiguous line.

Napoleon employed this order at Wagram, Ligny, Bautzen, Borodino, and Waterloo.
It is impossible to lay down, as a general rule, which of these orders of battle should be employed, or that either should be exclusively followed throughout the whole battle.

The question must be decided by the general himself on the ground, where all the circumstances may be duly weighed.