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 4 tons 18&middot;5 cwt.; their calibre is 6&middot;48 inches; their battering- charge is 16&middot;5 lbs.; and the service-charge 11 lbs.; the projectile for the former weighing 99 lbs., and for the latter 69&middot;5 lbs.

The second class cruisers of our Navy are represented by the 'Rover' and the 'Bacchante;' and this class includes the 'Boadicea' and the 'Euryalus,' the 'Active' and the 'Volage.' The 'Bacchante' and the 'Boadicea' are ships of 3,910 tons and 700 horse-power, their original estimated cost being 170,000l. The 'Euryalus' and the 'Rover' are of 3,450 tons and 700 horse-power, and their original estimated cost was 160,000l. The 'Active' and the 'Volage' are of 3,180 tons and 600 horse-power, their original estimated cost being 126,000l. The speed of this class is 15 knots.

The corresponding class in the latest programme of the French Admiralty is represented by the 'Duquay Trouin,' of 3,200 tons and 875 horse-power. The estimated speed of the French ships is 16 knots. It should, however, be stated that the estimates of speed and the reported results of actual trials in the French Navy must not be unreservedly accepted. In armament the French ships are decidedly inferior to our own. The armament of the 'Duquay Trouin' is intended to consist of one 16 c/m., or 64-pounder, and eight 14 c/m. guns, while our own ships will carry sixteen 64-pounders and two 7-inch guns. The 'Duquay Trouin ' is the only vessel of the class actually in progress in the French dockyards.