than of the larger type, the latter being unnecessarily powerful for the work they have to do.
Our requirementsWe require, in greater numbers than we have them now, ships of the 'Volage' and 'Magicienne' types, or of that smaller class of 1,000 tons, recommended by Admiral Porter for the United States Navy. I gladly acknowledge the efforts that have been made by the Admiralty in this direction; but what we want most of all are vessels of any special class that we should not be likely, in an emergency, to obtain from the merchant service. I would particularly urge, therefore, the construction of a greater number of torpedo vessels. The 'Vesuvius' is our first experiment in this direction. She may or may not be satisfactory. Considering that she is the pioneer of an untried class, it is presumable that defects will be discovered which can be remedied in future vessels. It is the duty of the Admiralty to proceed without delay to increase the number of these vessels, and to improve their efficiency.
The Americans have recently launched a torpedo vessel, of which the following description is given in a recent number of the Army and Navy Journal:—
The 'Alarm' draws 10 feet forward and 10 feet aft. The length of keel is 170 feet, including the ram. The beam is 28 feet, and she carries five days' coal. Her armament consists of one 15-inch gun on the bow, to be replaced by a 20-inch smooth bore or a 12-inch rifle. She will carry four Gatling guns on each side, and as many more may be mounted as necessary to defend her from boarding parties.