The intervals were filled with the floating batteries.

It will be recognized that the Danes treated this southern wing as an entity by itself, of which they strengthened the flanks, relying for the protection of the centre upon the nearness to shoal water, which would prevent the line being pierced.
As thus described, the southern wing covered the front of the city against bombardment.

The two northern blockships and the Trekroner did not conduce materially to that; they protected chiefly the entrance of the harbor.

It was therefore only necessary to reduce the southern wing; but Nelson preferred to engage at once the whole line of vessels and the Trekroner.

It is difficult entirely to approve this refusal to concentrate upon a part of the enemy's order,--an advantage to which Nelson was fully alive,--but it was probably due to underestimating the value of the Danish gunnery, knowing as he did how long they had been at peace.