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16 THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR
succession of passes leading through the successive
mountain ranges.
The Russians took up positions parallel to
those occupied by the Japanese, separated from
them by a valley, or several smaller valleys rather,
formed by low hills and isolated mounds rising up
in the broader expansion of lowland which lies
between the ridges occupied by the opposing
forces. The distance between their respective
positions varied from 3,000 to nearly 6,000
yards. The Russians had massed most of their
troops along the railway, which they naturally
wished to keep as long as possible, and where
they threw up very strong fortifications. They
also occupied and fortified the before-mentioned
high hills, Weitoushan and Kensan, which became
their centre, and smaller detachments of troops
guarded every road and pass, with reserves to
bear on any point threatened by attack.
Up to June 26th General Nogi did not attempt
any serious advance, though skirmishes and
smaller outpost affairs took place daily. The
reason for this delay was probably that he wanted
to have his whole army assembled before he
attempted determined offensive operations against
an enemy entrenched more strongly and in greater
force than he had anticipated. In the meantime
he occupied Dalny unopposed. The fleet began
dragging for mines in the harbour, and a
navigable channel was soon opened, permitting
ships to enter, though it was several weeks
later before transports and troops could be safely
brought in.
It is probable that no forward movement would
have been attempted until then, had it not been
for the sake of Kensan. This high hill dominates
the whole peninsula. From its summit one can
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