NOTES ON APPLIED FIELD FORTIFICATION. 
371 
line of defence or not, and which it has been finally decided should not 
be held, will form good supporting points for the line of outposts. JSTo 
definite rule can be laid down as to the exact situation of the line of 
defence; it may be at the line of supports, or of picquets, or even at 
the line of sentries if the same line is best, both for defence and for 
keeping watch over the country beyond. In the last case the picquets 
and supports should be drawn nearer to the line of sentries. It 
may happen that the line intended as the main line of defence of the 
position is occupied by the outposts and that the army is bivouacked 
some distance in rear of it. In this case the outposts must be 
strengthened, in order that they may be able to maintain themselves 
in the position till the rest of the army can take its fighting stations. 
Whatever line is chosen for the line of defence of the outposts should 
be strengthened by works of fortification to such an extent as to place 
the outposts in the best conditions for delaying the enemy, but care 
must be taken neither to afford cover to the enemy, nor to cause 
impediment to counter-attack. 
Second or Rallying Line .—This line has for its objects, to arrest the 
successful advance of the enemy should he succeed in penetrating the 
main line at any point, to prevent him from utilising his success for 
further advance, and to form an appui for counter-attacks by which to 
dislodge him from the positions he has gained. The 2nd line would 
not as a rule be continuous, but would consist of a certain number of 
favourable localities, strengthened by fortification. Then, if the enemy 
got possession of any part of the main line, he would find himself con¬ 
fronted by one or more of these strong points and unable to follow up 
his first success until he had brought up guns and prepared the way 
for a further attack on these points. Meanwhile the General of the 
defensive army would prepare a force for counter-attack under their 
protection as rapidly as possible and launch it on the enemy before he 
could consolidate his position. This attack, supported by the fire of 
the pivots of the 2nd line and of guns in the intervals between them, 
would have the best chance that could be obtained of retrieving the 
first disaster. These being the functions of the pivots of the 2nd 
line, they should be selected so as to fulfil them in the most efficient 
manner. That is to say, they should be able to see the whole of the 
main line, especially the points where there is most danger of the 
enemy penetrating, they should have a clear field of fire and be of 
sufficient size to conceal dispositions made behind them and furnish a 
considerable amount of fire. Covered positions for guns on their 
flanks would be very desirable. If, from the nature of the position, 
there should be any portions of the main line which cannot be com¬ 
manded by the pivots of the 2nd line, these portions must be 
recognised as weak points and, if possible, retrenchments should be 
made to them which can be commanded by the 2nd line. The pivots 
of the 2nd line would be strengthened by Field Fortification in the 
usual manner. 
Lines of Troops. 
It may be as well to say a few words here on the subject of Lines of 
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