Flying Bridge

—This term is applied to any floating support anchored to a fixed point (usually in the stream), and driven from shore to shore by the oblique action of the current on its sides. Although these bridges do not afford a continuous communication, yet they po e some decided advantages, viz.: They are readily established, even over the most rapid streams. They require but little material for their construction. They may be worked by very few men. They permit the pa age of troops of all arms, and of the heaviest carriages. The entrance to and exit from them is easy. They do not interrupt navigation; and they are not liable to be injured by floating bodies which, either by accident or design, are carried down-stream by the current. The current should not be le than one yard per second.