The part of the British defences chosen for the Boer assault was a ridge two miles south of the town, in length some 4,500 yards,--over two and a half miles,--and 600 feet high.

Its general direction is east and west, but in contour it is slightly concave towards the south, whence the assailants came.
In the centre, this crescent, having a comparatively easy incline, is more readily swept by fire, and approach is more easily seen.

The Boers consequently chose to ascend by the horns, which are very precipitous, {p.239} and where, therefore, if no noise is made, detection is not easy and aim is extremely difficult.

Above the ridge thus described rose three eminences, of 100 feet or more.

That on the east was Caesar's Camp, about 1,500 yards long by 700 wide; next, and 400 yards distant, Wagon Hill, two-thirds the size; and close to this, and at the extreme west, Wagon Hill West, scarcely more than a knob, but very steep.
The Boer plan was to seize the two extremities by a night attack of picked men, who, when they had made good their hold, would be reinforced rapidly from a main body assembled behind hills some two miles south.