The River Aisne rises in the Argonne, southwest of Verdun. Through
the Champagne region its banks are of gradual slope, but shortly
after it passes Rethel, on its westerly course, the configuration
changes sharply, and at Craonne the bluffs overlooking the river
are 450 feet high. It is easy to see what an inaccessible barrier
is made by such a line of cliffs. For forty miles this line of
bluffs continues, almost reaching to Compiegne, where the Aisne
enters the Oise. Not only are the banks of the Aisne thus guarded
by steep bluffs, but the character of those bluffs is peculiarly
fitted for military purposes. For long stretches along the north
side the cliffs stand sheer and have spurs that dip down sharply
to the valley. The ridge, or the top of the bluff, which looks
from below like the scarp of a great plateau, lies at an average
of a mile or more from the stream. Many of these spurs jut out in
such a way that if fortified they could enfilade up and downstream.
To add to the military value of such a barrier the edge of the scarp
is heavily wooded, while the lower slopes are steep and grassy,
with small woods at irregular intervals. Even from the high ground
on the south bank of the stream, the top of the plateau on the
north cannot be seen, and from below it is effectually cloaked.
Two tributaries are to be considered in this river valley which thus
forms so natural a post of defense.
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