for the Cir^mlar Sierm' qf SMps of W:ar , S3 
introduced round tbe stern, in order to make the strength of 
the fabric uniform and complete. It is now unii^ersally admit- 
ted, that the diagonal system has communicated great strength 
to every part to which it has been hitherto applied .; and there 
seems no good reason why the same increase of strength should 
not be communicated to a part so notoriously weak as the pre- 
sent square stern, particularly, when, by doing so, not only the 
mechanical frame of the ship is materially strengthened, but its 
means of defence also very much increased. Sir Robert, at 
p. 6. of his Letter, very properly remarks, that circular sterns 
are formed, and in ail respects timbered and secured in the same 
manner as the bow,"” and that the strength of the circular 
stern is equal to that of the bow,’’ and consequently .equally well 
adapted to withstand the shock of the sea. No authority can 
be more convincing and satisfactory than this, reposing, as it 
unquestionably does, on the soundest experience, and supported 
collaterally by so many strong and undeniable truths. 
The next point of view in which this important subject may 
be contemplated, is the consideration of the means which each 
form of the stern affords for attack and defence, 
In the first place, the same objections may be urged against 
the defence of a square stern, as is known to attach to a redoubt 
of a square form. Redoubts,” says Malorti de Martemont, 
in bis Theory of Field Fortihcatioii, when they are not flank- 
ed by some other fire, have two essential defects ; the first is, 
that their saliants are unprotected, which cannot be remedied, 
but by adapting to those saliants a fe^.v teeth of cremailUre, or 
when the ground and every other circumstance will allow it, by 
directing the saliants towards some iiiaceessible points, or by 
placing in front of them, when possible, some artificial obstacles.” 
But,” continues Malorti, “ Circular redoubts have not that 
defect, as their fire which has no fixed direction, may mcessanC 
ly vary^ and spread itself on , every point of the ground that 
surrounds them;” and the defence which they present is imi^ 
form on every part xf the circimference^’' Now, the defects 
which this able writer attributes to square redoubts, hold in all 
their force against the defence of the square stern ; while the 
reasons he gives in favour of redoubts of a circular form, apply 
most favourably to ships with round sterns. If we may be ah 
