Fig. 52, designed by the Austrian lieutenant field-marshal Moritz
Ritter von Brunner (1839-1904), is selected as a type of the
intermediate fort which is intended only to be a strong point in the
infantry line of defence between the main forts. It has a protected
armament, but this, which consists only of four small Q.F. guns in
cupolas, is for its own defence, and not to take part in the artillery
duel. There is also a movable armament of four light Q.F. guns on
wheels, for which a shelter is provided between the two observatory
cupolas. The garrison would be a half company of infantry, for whom
casemates are provided in the gorge. The gorge ditch is flanked by a
caponier, but there is no flank defence for the front ditch. This is
defended by a glacis parapet. At the bottom of the ditch is a wire
entanglement and the glacis slope is planted with thorns. The
thickness of concrete on the casemates is 2 metres (6 ft. 7 in.). This
is a strong and simple form of infantry work, but considering its role
it appears to be needlessly expensive.
Fig. 53 is an Italian type of barrier fort in mountainous country. A
powerful battery of eight medium guns protected by a Gruson shield
commands the approach. The fort with its dwelling casemates is
surrounded by a deep ditch flanked by counterscarp galleries. There
are certain apparent weaknesses in the type, but the difficulties of
the attack in such country and its limitations must be borne in mind.
_Modern Details of Protection and Obstacle._--After considering the
above types of fort, it will be of use to note some of the details in
which modern construction has been modified to provide against the
increasing power of artillery.
[Illustration: From Brialmont's _Progres de la defense des etats, &c._,
by permission of Commandant G. Meeus.