60 
FIELD FORTIFICATION. 
times extend it to the most unnecessary width of 8 feet), with a parapet 
never exceeding 1 foot 6 inches in height, whatever the width of trench 
might be, the trench and parapet being separated by a “ berm ” or 
step, in order that the rise from the one to the other might not come 
abruptly. The “ German” shelter-trench formed even less of ah ob¬ 
stacle and gave somewhat less cover. These hasty intrenchments, 
though not suited for general use in positions prepared for defence, 
have still their place in modern field fortification as in the case of works 
thrown up by the attack, and they may even be still applicable to 
portions of the battle-field which only need to be lightly occupied, and 
over which it is contemplated to bring out troops in the counter¬ 
attack. But as their construction is a matter of “ drill,” and as no 
special Engineer knowledge is required in connection with them, I do 
not propose to refer to them further : except to state the very im¬ 
portant fact, true of them as of all shooting trenches, that proper sites 
cannot be chosen for them without placing the eye in as nearly as 
possible the position of the eye of the man who will fire from them. 
A position that may appear to a man standing, or on horseback, ad¬ 
mirably suited for a trench, to sweep the ground in front, may easily 
be one from which the man in the trench can see little or nothing to 
his immediate front. 
Before proceeding to discuss details, I should like to refer briefly to 
the general principles governing the design and execution of works. 
In proportion as field fortification deals with extended areas of the 
battle-field, and thus with a larger proportion of the “ troops,” so it 
becomes the more incumbent on us to make our works meet the 
“ tactical ” requirements, though in war, as in everything else, there 
must be a give and take, a balancing of advantages and disadvantages, 
and tactics must be adapted to take full advantage of the capabilities 
of fortification. 
I may, perhaps/briefly generalise the tactical requiremefits by say¬ 
ing that the fortification of a position must be so arranged as not 
to interfere with the proper control of the troops by the superior 
commanders, and to afford proper facilities for making such movements 
in formation as are likely to be necessary. 
Bearing in mind these conditions, as limiting and guiding us, I 
propose now to attempt to deal with some of the “ practical ” points 
that arise in the design and construction of “field works.” 
There are five main practical conditions by which all designs must 
be governed, viz.:— 
1. By whom the works are to be constructed. 
2. Against whom the works are to be constructed. 
3. With io hat object the v)orks are to be constructed. 
4. Within what time the works are to be constructed . 
5. What means and materials are available. 
And I will attempt to deal with these in the order in which I have 
stated them. 
(1.) By whom the works are to be constructed . 
I am afraid it is often taken for granted that sappers- will throw 
