392 
GARRISON ARTILLERY. 
sums up all the duties of garrison artillery both before and during a 
siege in the one word “ work/' adding “ Travailler, c'est a dire remner 
des pieces, remner des bois, remner du fer, remner des terres, remner 
enfin quelque chose et s'occuper. La est la force de l'artillerie de place 
la est sa puissance la est en meme temps sa securite." 
The well-timed conclusion of all preparations is of the greatest 
importance for the successful carrying on of the defence. This can 
only be expected if the works have been undertaken beforehand, 
and not left until the time of need to be begun. If from the moment 
that it appears probable that a fortress may be attacked, the 
garrison spare no pains, but labour with workman-like foresight 
to get all things ready, then it will be in a position to take an 
energetic part in the artillery battle. Mere bravery on the part 
of the troops, in the absence of discretion and industry, can never 
warrant the hope of a successful issue. Let us suppose that a brave 
garrison has been surprised by the appearance of a besieging 
force, that they undertake their work of preparation for the defence 
under the fire of the enemy, and succeed in completing them—then 
comes the question: In what state are they when they open fire ? 
How much loss have they sustained before they could fire a shot ? 
How much energy can fairly be expected of a man of that garrison 
during the continuance of the siege ? How dearly must they have 
paid for any unskilfulness in manipulation owing to forgetfulness 
arising from delay. Even in former days, when sieges with smooth¬ 
bore guns lasted a long time, every negligence on the part of the 
defence was very dearly paid for. How, with modern weapons and 
strategy, no fortress can be expected to hold out for long against an 
energetic siege. 
Means of Discovering the Enemy's Works. 
The defenders gain an important advantage if they succeed in dis¬ 
covering in good time the position of the enemy's batteries, and that 
of the first parallel. Firstly, because they can hinder the work and 
cause them much loss by a well directed fire; secondly, because the 
operations of attack being thus hindered, the defenders have more 
time to proceed with their arming so as to be ready for the decisive 
artillery battle. 
The defenders must not, however, make too sure of discovering the 
enemy's works by the means here suggested, but must proceed with 
their preparations as though they were sure to fail in this discovery. 
In this way alone can they be safe from surprise and disorder. 
The following means may serve for the discovery of the works of the 
attack at night:— 
1. Lighting up the ground in front. 
2. Sorties. 
3. Establishment of a chain of outposts. 
4. Secret observation of the enemy. . 
