WAR. 135 



Fortresses. 



In defensive war the gaining of time from a . 

 variety of military and political considerations is a 

 most important acquisition ; which may, and pro- 

 bably in most cases does, compensate for the loss of 

 a fort captured by the enemy with breached ram- 

 parts, broken counterscarp, filled ditch, ruined inte- 

 rior, expended stores, accompanied by a dispropor- 

 tionate injury necessarily sustained by a large army 

 compared with the garrison. 



Vestiges. 



In future ages the ruins of modern fortifications 

 will make no show compared with the ancient ele- 

 vated structures for defence, 



Bombs. 



The inequalities of the inner surface of a rocky 

 hill fort, keep a bomb-shell in constant motion until 

 it explodes the hollow parts, consequently, which 

 are the most secure against shot, suffer most from a 

 bombardment, which keeps the besieged in a state 

 of constant and harassing motion. 



Telegraphs. 



During the late war there were 12 stations 

 between London and Portsmouth, and 31 between 

 London and Plymouth, of which eight were on the 

 Portsmouth line, and separated at the New Forest. 

 From London to Deal there were 10 stations, and 

 19 to Yarmouth the distances average about eight 

 miles, but some extend to twelve or fourteen miles. 



After about 20 years' experience, it has been esti- 

 mated that for 200 days in the year signals can be 

 transmitted throughout the day ; about 60 on which 

 they pass only part of the day, and 100 days on 

 which few of the stations can see the others. 



