181.— The traverses a (PI. 7. Fig. 51.) which
the besieged troops construct upon the terre-
pleins, in order to render them less liable to en-
filade, usually consist of gabions 4 feet 6 inches
long and 3 feet in diameter, which are placed in
4 rows close to one another, with 3 other rows
oter them. All the gabions are filled with sand-
bags, and connected together by means of fas-
cines, &c., so that the traverses may be firmer.*

* Traverses have sometimes been made with wool-bags, so

2 D



194 ON THE ATTACK AND

The object of the Parados is to secure the be-
sieged troops from any reverse fire to which they
may be exposed. The method of constructing
them is the same as that used for traverses.
188. — The blindages made in a besieged town
may be variously disposed according to the parti-
cular ttse of the bomtb-proof that they are in-
tended to form. Cormontaingne suggested the
faU^wing method of constructing those which
have for their object to secure buildings inwardly,
and which, similarly to any other blindage having
a horizotital roof, are called horizontal blinda-
ges:, or timber bomb-proofs.
