SILVER MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1893 . 
389 
The lessons for the defence :— 
1. If the fortress* charge can be injured by distant bombardment a 
few heavy guns and a few heavy howitzers will be sufficient in 
advanced positions to keep the ships moving and so prevent 
accuracy of fire. 
2. But it is best to concentrate the main defence on narrow waters, 
where navigation is difficult and ranges short. 
3. A through channel, or the approach to the fortress* charge if it 
can be injured by torpedo boats, should be obstructed suffi¬ 
ciently to delay the passage of ships or boats; and the 
obstruction so defended that it may be safe from boat recon¬ 
naissance and attack. 
4. Guard-boats are required for use in fog, when batteries are 
useless. 
5. The material and the men should be prepared, remembering 
that simplicity of arrangement with the former, discipline and 
localisation with the latter, are the chief essentials. 
6. Some officers, of Garrison Artillery or attached to it, should 
have sufficient naval training to understand the probable 
actions of the enemy. 
If these lessons are acted on, Coast Defence will be doubly strong at 
half the expense; and the naval assaillants will more than ever feel 
that “ Le cout fait per dre le gout” 
