ON FORTIFICATION

original: "DE FORTIFICATIONE."

3RD FORM

A technical architectural diagram shows a fortification structure. In the center is a long, vertical rectangle labeled A. Small square compartments line the perimeter of this rectangle. Each compartment contains a small triangle pointing outwards, likely representing defensive positions or embrasures. The structure is flanked on its left and right sides by textured, stippled areas representing earthworks or terrain. The area to the left is labeled B. The area to the right is labeled C. The top and bottom ends of the central rectangle are both labeled D.

Fortification, Form

To explain now how the foundations of Damsoriginal: "Dodanes"; sloping embankments or water-retaining structures. can be secured with these dovetail pilesoriginal: "pieux à queuës d'arondelles"; interlocking timber piles that prevent separation and seepage., I am providing first the plan of this 3rd Figure. In this diagram, A signifies the base of the Dam. This is a quadrangle enclosed by dovetail piles that are drivenoriginal: "hiez"; from the French verb "hier," meaning to ram or hammer piles into the ground. very deep. Only the tops of the piles are visible here. B is the exterior water, and D is the Dikeoriginal: "Dicque"; an embankment or levee used to regulate water..

The sand or mud that is inside the quadrangle A is pulled up from under the water. This process uses tools like those used to extract peat in Holland. This can be done to a depth of 20 feet. I have specified "under water" here so that the floating sand does not rise up. Afterward, one drives piles without dovetails into this quadrangular pit to support the masonryoriginal: "massonnerie". Then, one fills the empty spaces between the piles with good clayoriginal: "arguille"; an archaic spelling of "argile," referring to heavy clay used to create a water-tight seal..