As the consul had anticipated that the fighting would not be at close quarters but would involve an attack upon positions from a distance, he accumulated a large quantity of javelins, light infantry spears, arrows and leaden balls and small stones suitable for hurling from slings. Provided with these missile weapons, he marched towards Olympus and encamped about four miles' distance from the mountain. On the morrow he sent Attalus with soo cavalry to reconnoitre the ground and the situation of the Gaulish camp. While thus engaged a body of hostile cavalry, twice as large as his own force, sallied from their camp and put him to flight;some of his men were killed and several wounded. The next day the consul went out with the whole of his cavalry to explore, and as none of the enemy appeared outside their lines he made the circuit of the mountain in safety. He noticed that towards the south the ground rose in gentle slopes and was covered with soil;on the north the cliffs were precipitous and almost vertical. There were only three possible roads-everywhere else it was inaccessible-the oneup the middle of the mountain free from rocks, and two which were difficult, one on the south-east and the other on the north-west. After making these observations he encamped for the day close to the foot of the mountain. following day, after he had offered the sacrifices and the victims had given favourable omens, he advanced against enemy. The army was formed into three divisions; the largest he commanded in person and began the ascent where it afforded the easiest approach;his brother, L. Manlius, was ordered to advance from the south-eastern side as far as the ground allowed of his doing so safely, but if he came to a dangerous or precipitous part he was not to struggle against the difficulties of the path nor try to force his way over insuperable obstacles一‘In that case he was to turn and march across the face of the mountain and unite his division with the one which the consul was leading. C. Helvius was to work gradually round the lower slopes of the mountain and then take his division up the north-eastern side. ntitimus auxiliaries were also formed three divisions, Attalus himself accompanying the consul. cavalry and elephants were left on the level ground at bottom, and their commanders were under orders to watch carefully the progress of the action and render prompt assistance wherever it was required.