194. — In order to enfllade the boyaux, the be-
sieged troops frequently construct upon the flanks
of the attacks works called counter-approaches,
which they place on soine advanced spot advan-
tageously situated for this purpose. A. counter-
approach sometimes only consists of a trench
where troops are posted to keep up a musquetry



DEFENCE OF PLACES, 207

fire, but it is more commonly intended for artil-
lery ; a communication, in the form of a trench,
leads from the covert-way to the counter-ap-
proach, being defiled from the attacks, and co-
vered by a parapet either on one or both sides,
as may be necessary in order to secure it; this
communication is called a line of counter-ap-
proach.
As soon as a counter-approach is no longer use-
ful, the besieged troops destroy it.
195. — The palisades which serve to protect
the covert-way, should be vertically planted in
ane row upon the banquette, 10 pr 13 inches
distant from the foot of the interior slope of the
glacis, and with their points projecting from 13
to 15 inches over the crest of this work; the
usual distance from each palisade to the next is 3
inches, and their lower extremity is sunk 2^ or 3
feet into the banquette, the band which secures
then) at top being placed on the side towards the
covert-way, about 2 feet 6 inches below the points.
It is proper that a pointed piece of iron should be
fixed in the band, between every two palisades,
so as to prevent the besieger from stepping upon
it, in order to leap down into the covert-way.
