Aspect

is the view or profile of land or coast, and contains the figure or representation of the borders of any particular part of the sea. These figures and representations may be found in all the charts or directories for the sea coast. The Italians call them demon strati one. By means of this knowlege you may ascertain whether the land round the shore be high; if the coast itself be steep or sloping; bent in the form of an arc, or extended in strait lines; round at the top, or rising to a point. Every thing, in a word, is brought in a correct state before the eye, as far as regards harbors, swamps, bogs, gulphs, adjacent churches, trees, windmills, . See Reconnoitring in Amer. Mil. Lib. A menacing Aspect . An army is said to hold a menacing aspect, when by advanced movements or positions it gives the opposing enemy cause to apprehend an attack. A military Aspect . A country is said to have a military aspect, when its general situation presents appropriate obstacles or facilities for an army acting on the offensive or defensive. An imposing Aspect . An army is said to have an imposing aspect, when it appears stronger than it really is. This appearance is often a umed for the purpose of deceiving an enemy, and may not improperly be considered as a principal ruse de guerre , or feint in war.