IN TIME OF WAR. 367

attack tlie camp, it is still stronger; indeed some positions ofthis nature are found that are impregnable.

241. When the ground is not naturally strong, it is renderedso with field-works: this occurs most frequently in coun-tries intersected by large canals or rivers, &c. or in moun-tainous or strong countries, whither an inferior army is com-pelled to retire from the open champaign country to avoidbeing surrounded and cut off from its supples.

In field-works constructed on the flat parts of a strongcountry, one stage of fire is generally sufficient; but in fortsand large redoubts, that are to serve as points of support toother intrenchments or as insulated posts, there ought to betwo stages of fire.

In mountainous countries, from the natural advantages ofthe situation, two stages of fire may be obtained with littleexpence or trouble.

242. In the construction of field-works, regard must bealways paid ;

1. To the nature and extent of the adjacent country.

2. To the interior area.

3. To the figure of the works, and the mutual sup-port of the several parts.

4. To the profiles of the works.

243. Those field-works are the strongest, which from na-tural or artificial obstacles cannot be approached by the enemyin regular order (242, No. 1): when the intrenchment can-not be made inaccessible along the whole front, a part of itat least should be made so; always keeping in view this maximthat the flanks be better defended than the front. The groundbefore the accessible parts should to a proper distance, be clearedof trees, hedges, buildings, and every thing that can giveshelter to the enemy.

244. The interior area should be so spacious, that all thetroops may encamp in good order, and perform the necessarymanœuvres for defence without being straitened for room.When the army is encamped in one line, 500 paces are leftbetween the intrenchment and the tents for the troops toform on ; and when jn two lines, this distance is increasedto 800 paces (242, No. 2).

The front of the encampment ought not to be unnecessa-rily extended, lest there be too few men to line the intrench-ment : when there are any ditches, canals, precipices or otherobstacles to a free communication between the several parts,

bridges