Sandbags, in military works, are canvas bags (sometimes tarred) 32 inches by 16. They are partially filled with sand or earth, averaging then 20" × 10" × 6", and forming a ready means of giving cover against the enemy's fire, or tamping the charge in a mine. See MINES (MILITARY). They are also very useful in forming revetments to parapets, loopholes for rifle pits, and lining for embrasures, when they should be covered with raw hides to prevent them from taking fire.
Sandbags
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 9: Bound to Swansea, p. 141
Source scan(s): p. 0152