BLOCKHOUSE

in fortification, a house made of beams joined together cro wise, and often doubled, with a covering and loopholes, laige enough for from 25 to 100 men. In addition to this, it is commonly covered with earth, to render it entirely bomb and fire proof. It is ustially sunk several feet into the ground. Some forts of this kind contain two stories; and they are often fitted up to receive cannon. Blockhouses are generally built in the f onn of a square or a cro . Their use is to afford a feeble garrison of an important place, which is very much exposed, an opportunity of holding out against the cannon i ule and a ault of the enemy till they are relieved. They also serve for bomb-proof guardhouses, and places of last resort, in the interior of intrenchments, and in the covered pa ages of fortre es, where the cannon are stationed.