ee — 
- 
THE PROBLEM OF FORTIFICATION. 91 
image of the first movements of the besieger, who wants 
to get possession of a fortress by a regular attack. The 
ground represents the Sultan’s carpet.* His life is 
endangered unless he advances under cover; but let 
him dig the earth; let him heap up the rubbish in front 
of him; let him unceasingly roll up a little of the carpet 
as he advances; and behind this movable shelter the 
besiegers, carrying with them a powerful artillery, ap- 
proach the ramparts of a fortress very soon in full force, 
without being seen by the besieged. 
The problem of fortification may, indeed, be consid- 
ered at bottom as a particular case of the geometrical 
theory of polygonal stars. ‘This assemblage, apparently 
so inextricable, of salient and of reéntering angles, of 
bastions, of curtains, of demilunes and ténailles, &c., of 
which modern fortresses consist, is the solution of the 
very old question of flanking. We may in some points 
vary the construction, but the aim is always the same. 
The abstract principles of the art have become clear and 
evident. The illustrious corps of officers who at the 
present day are at liberty to apply them to the defence 
of the country, have had the good sense to abandon the 
mystery with which it was before surrounded, and with 
which it has been so severely reproached. Fortification 
is taught like other sciences; it is founded on the most 
elementary geometry; a mere amateur can familiarize 
himself with the theory in a few lessons. 
* This is scarcely a “faithful image,’’ and unless the story could 
be improved, it is hardly worth preserving. The gradual increase of 
labour and cover in advancing, and the total absence of cover at the 
commencement, are features foreign to a regular siege; there cover 
is obtained at first, and they go steadily on, making no more or less 
than the requisite cover all the way. The story, however, might. be 
applied to an old fortress with very lofty towers, which would require 
more cover as you got nearer.— 7ranslator. 
