Second flank. When the face of a bastion produced does not meet the curtain at its extremity, but in some other point, then the part of the curtain between that point and the flank, is called the second flank. The modern engineers have rejected this method of fortifying. See [Flank].
Flêche, a work of two faces, often constructed before the glacis of a fortified place, when threatened with a siege, in order to keep the enemy as long at a distance as possible.
Gallery, is a passage made under ground, leading to the mines: galleries are from 4¹⁄₂ to 5 feet high, and about 3¹⁄₂ or 4 feet broad; supported at top by wooden frames, with boards over them.
Genouilliere, the undermost part of the rampart of a battery, or that part from the platform to the sole of the embrasures.
Glacis, is the part beyond the covert way, to which it serves as a parapet, and terminates towards the field in an easy slope at any required number of fathoms distance. Sometimes double glacis are made parallel to the esplanade, and at the distance of 16, or 20 fathoms.
Some authors think these works never answer the expence; however, M. Vauban was so sensible of their utility, that he never failed to make them when the ground was convenient for it; because, when such works are defended by a skilful governor, they will afford the means of being valiantly supported.
Gorge, of a bastion, is the interval between the extremity of one flank and that of the other.
Gorge, of any work, is that part next to the body of the place, where there is no rampart or parapet; that is, at the counterscarp of the ditch.
Half-moon. (Fr. Demi-Lune.) Is an out-work that has two faces which form a saliant angle, the gorge of which resembles a crescent. It owes its original invention to the Dutch, who use it to cover the points of their bastions. This kind of fortification, is, however, defective, because it is weak on its flanks. Half-moons are now called ravelins; which species of work is constructed in front of the curtain. See [Ravelins].
Gorge of a half moon, the distance between the two flanks, taken on the right of the counterscarp.