The establishment of the Mountain Batteries varies according to locality.
A Native Reserve is being formed, but is not yet completely organised.
Colonial Forces.
The Colonial Forces consist of those raised by each Colony of the British Empire for its own protection. With the exception of a few of the smaller islands in the West Indies and Pacific, it may be said that every one of our Colonies has trained a certain number of men for home defence.
The system of enlistment and service varies in almost every colony, according to requirements. In very few of them are there permanent forces under arms. They mostly correspond to our Militia, and are called out for an annual training only.
The native forces of Canada are—
| Cavalry, | 4 | regiments of Dragoons. | |
| 5 | regiments of Hussars. | ||
| 4 | Independent troops. | ||
| Artillery, | 19 | batteries Field Artillery. | |
| 5 | Brigades and 13 batteries Garrison Artillery. | ||
| ½ | battery Mountain Artillery. | ||
| Engineers, | 2 | companies. | |
| Infantry, | 74 | battalions of Infantry. | |
| 21 | battalions of Rifles. | ||
| 5 Independent companies. | |||
| Medical Staff Corps. | |||
| Total strength 38,500. | |||
Of the above troops, a very small number are permanent troops; the remainder consist of Militia, called out for about twelve days’ training in the year. There is universal liability to service in the Militia Reserve for all men between 18 and 60, so that in case of war the armed levy of the country would amount to over 600,000 men! Not more than 45,000 of these however are regularly trained. The country is divided into twelve Military Districts, and these again into Brigade and Regimental Divisions.
Besides this force, there is a Royal Military College, and Royal Schools of Instruction for Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery.