198 FISHES I HAVE KNOWN 



and describing in its course a slight curve, facing 

 inland. 



The earth thrown up in the process of excava- 

 tion was carefully arranged on one side as a 

 rampart, and, wherever the canal turned at an 

 angle, embrasures were left for placing artillery 

 in commanding positions. Trees were planted in 

 orderly rows on the broad surface of the rampart, 

 and the whole work constituted a formidable 

 obstacle to the advance of any force that had 

 effected a landing. It would have to be stormed, 

 and, being well defended with guns, it could hold 

 out long enough for reinforcements to come up 

 and drive the invaders back to the sea. 



As a military defence, the canal and rampart 

 have fallen into the sere and yellow leaf, but the 

 trees have grown up, and the rampart provides 

 a delightful promenade in summer, with a fine 

 view of the sea and the graceful curve of beach 

 ending at Dungeness. The breeze blows sweet 

 and cool across the flats and saltings, the sun's 

 heat is tempered by the shady limes and sycamores, 

 the downs on one side rise in picturesque rugged- 

 ness towards Saltwood Castle, the ditch alongside 

 the rampart smiles with forget-me-nots, and the 

 quiet scene is enlivened by the distant crackling 

 of musketry practice on the Hythe rifle-ranges. 



