It is now eight years since Major Lewis' course of lectures on "Permanent Fortification" was published in Vol. VII. of the Professional Papers. The work speedily established itself as a text-book on this portion of an Engineer officer's duties. The art of war, however, advances with the improvement of warlike material; editions too, are limited, and Vol. VII. being out of print, Major Lewis has very kindly revised his lectures and brought them up to date; it is, therefore, confidently hoped that, in its amplified form, Fortification for English Engineers will prove of even more value to the Corps than was the first edition.

W.A. Gale, Capt. R.E., Secretary, R.E. Institute, and Editor. July, 1890.