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of which, or near islands, behind which, divi-*sions of 3, 4, or 5 pontoons can conveniently beput together, the time required for laying thebridge will be shortened by adopting this ar-rangement, and it should be accordingly observedwhen time or concealment is an object.

The manoeuvre of withdrawing a bridge ofpontoons, entire, in the manner described, bringsthem to the bank in a very convenient positionto dismantle the bridge, and to get them out ofthe water; and is therefore particularly useful inretreat.

Several row-boats should always be attachedto a pontoon train: they are of great use insending troops across to make a lodgment onthe further bank (as in the passage of the Adour),when the tide is too strong to admit of usingpontoons as row-boats; also to carry out anchors;and, when the train is to be transported bywater, to tow the pontoons, which in this ope-ration should be formed into rafts of 2, 3, or 4,lashed together, and a flooring laid, upon whichtheir carriages, &c. are placed.

It is only in this way that pontoons can trans-port their carriages and appertenances: theycannot in any other way be used as boats ofburthen; and this, together with their great lia-bility lo injury, and the difficulty of repairing