DEFENCE OF PLACES. 197

of two joists i and k 4: inches square ;* these props
of course require diiferent lengths, the prop h
being intended to support the upper part of the
wall, whilst the prop g- is to strengthen the lower
part; both props have their lower extremities
fixed in a piece of timber I placed in a horizontal
direction, and which also retains in its situation
the foot of another piece m standing vertically
against the wall; the upper ends of the props are
kept steady by means of cleats n fastened to this
piece.
The above new process has the material advan-
tage of requiring much less timber than Cormon-
taingne's method; and, as the smaller dimensions of
the various pieces of timber used render them ligh-
ter, the work can be executed with greater conve-
nience and expedition ; but neither one nor the
other method admits of the thickness of the walls
being under 2 feet 8 inches, or thereabouts.
184.-^Such buildings should be selected, for
the purpose of securing them by means of ho-
rizontal blindages, as extend lengthwise in the
presumed direction of the enemy's fire, and have
their walls concealed from his view. Buildings
of this kind having only one story are still to be
preferred to those of a greater height, as the
operation of securing them will be more simple,
and will require less time and expence ; and
if the height of the story is such that it may



198 ON THE ATTACK AND

bq conveniently divided by a kind of loft, advan-
tage should be taken of this circumstance, which
will afford the means of having double the room,
with but a trifling additional expence.
