320 SERVICE OF ARTILLERY

embrasures should be repaired : throwing light-balls duringthe whole night, that the-firing mav be the more exactand effectual The same dispositions should be continued,while ti.e enemy is constructing and firing from the batteriesin breach ; and be supported by a continual fire of mus-quetry, directed against the embrasures of the batteries.

139. The besieger having completed his descent into theditch, and begun epaulments to cover his approach to thefoot of the breach, every possible exertion should be madeto retard his progress : the guns should fire incessantly againstthe epaulments with round (hot; showers of shells, andhand-grenades be thrown from every part; and when theenemy has gained the foot of the breach, the largest shellsshould be set fire to and rolled down.

These dispositions intended for the out-works will be stillmore effectual from the body of the place, where the firefrom the flanks that defend the breach is greatly superiorto the enemy’s: since, beside this flanking fire against theepaulments, a heavy fire can be also directed against thecounter-battery. -

A breach having been made in any of the out-works,the artillery should be withdrawn in time, and placed in somework in the rear of the one that is dismantled, in order tofire into it. When the guns are withdrawn from the rave-lin, some embrasures should be opened in the curtain, thatthe besieger may be exposed to a heavy fire from many pointsat once, the instant he attempts to lodge himself in theravelin.

140. The breach being rendered practicable, a great num-ber of burning lascines and light balls should be throwninto it; and over these dry faggots and combustibles of allkinds: when this expedient is exhausted, all the guns andmortars should be pointed at the breach, to mow down theenemy’s column in mounting to the assault.

From the different methods of repelling assaults explainedin the second book of iVJilitary Architecture, the officers ofartillery will fee in what manner the defence of a fortressprovided with stores of all kinds, may be protected by theirskillful and judicious conduct, combined with the exertionsof the other parts of the garrison.

Though the preceding regulations may seem to be adaptedonly to places where the works mutually support and com-mand each other, and every point in the environs; yet