Generally speaking, prospects of the steel trade in the North. West of England are good, and there is a growing disposition to make the trade more of a Siemen-Martin's type than of the Bessemer type, although the latter department is briskly employed. But it is felt that the future of steel is more with the former than with the latter class of metal, and a movement is being made to develop this branch in the direction of a heavy production of armour-plates and other classes of material required by war vessels.

The Hematite Trade.-The life reported last month in the hematite pig-iron trade is maintained all round, and it has been found necessary to increase the output. At present 39 furnaces are in blast, compared with 26 in the corresponding week of last year. Makers are all very well sold forward to the extent of from four to six months, and as there are prospects of a continuance of activity for a long time to come, makers will not negotiate business at lower rates than from 49s. 6d. to 50s. 6d., while warrant iron, which moves up and down at the caprice of the speculative barometer, is quoted at 48s. 4d. net cash sellers, and 48s. 3d buyers. Stocks are firmly held, and represent about 300,000 tons in warrant stores. Makers are holding no stocks except in cases where they are also makers of steel and require to hold reserve supplies of metal.

Shipping. The shipping trade is showing new life, and although freights remain low, tonnages show an increase in metal export compared with the corresponding time of last year. Prospects, however, are very cheering, and it is evident a brisk export trade will be done during the year.

Littoral Drift.-At the ordinary meeting of the Institution of Civil Engineers, on Tuesday, the 3rd March, Mr. W. H. Preece, C.B., Vice-President, in the chair, the paper read was on "Littoral Drift: in relation to River-Outfalls and to HarbourEntrances," by Mr. W. H. Wheeler, M. Inst.C.E. The author pointed out that the success or failure of works projected for the improvement of navigation on coasts subject to littoral drift depended on a correct application of the laws which governed the movement of sand, shingle and alluvial matter. It was shown that the supply of drift was limited and within control; and that the vast beds of sand with which the sea-bed was covered, and the deposits of sand and shingle found on many parts of the coast were due to causes which occurred in remote ages under entirely different conditions to those now prevailing. Instances were given to prove the impossibility of these accumulations having been formed by existing agencies. The drift which now travelled along the coast and the movable sand-beds were shown to be due to the erosion of the cliffs, and as coming from the waste of the land and not from the sea-bed. It was stated that the generally accepted theory, that the travel of drift along a coast was due to and was in the direction of the prevailing wind, was contrary to fact. In England the prevailing winds were from the southwest; whereas the travel of drift on the east coast was southwards, on the south coast from the westwards, and on the west coast nortbwards, in each case being in the same direction as the flood tide. Round bays and estuaries, frequently within a very limited area, the travel was in three or four different directions. Numerous examples of drift in England and other countries were given, and in every case the continuous and regular travel was in tue direction of the flood tide. The author had been unable to find a single instance where the regular and continuous travel of drift along a coast was in the opposite direction to that of the flood tide. Storms which blew in an opposite direction to the flood tide arrested the progress of the drift, and even for a time caused it to travel against it; but these were only occasional, and on their cessation the normal direction of travel was resumed. While winds and waves were the agents which operated in eroding cliffs and producing the supply of drift, the continuous progressive movement of sand and shingle along the sea coast was caused by the wave action of the flood tide, which was increased when the wind blew in the same direction as the flood tide. The action of the flood tide making along a coast did not consist in a gradual swelling or raising of the water, but a series of small waves were given off from the main tidal wave, which broke on the shore in an oblique direction, the crest running up and partly lifting and partly

pushing the stones forward and onward to the height reached by the wave, and consequently several feet above high-water mark. The retiring wave descended down the line of quickest descent, or that normal to the beach, and carried with it the greater portion of the material lifted up, leaving the remainder behind. The crest of the wave being wedge-shaped, the thin film of water at the top, as it retired, was incapable of carrying back the larger stones driven up by the momentum of the body of water behind, and these were left near the top of the bank. The number of wavelets varied between ten and twenty per minutes making, with the smaller number, 7,200 impulses on the flood tide in the course of a day, and consequently capable of elevating and transporting a large quantity of material in the course of a year. The weight of the stones moved by these tidal shore waves in calm weather varied between a fraction of an ounce and 5 lbs. or 6 lbs. when out of the water. The shore waves of the ebb tide struck the beach at the same angle as those of the flood, and the tendency was therefore to prevent any retrogressive movement. With regard to alluvial matter in estuaries, it was shown that this was derived from detritus brought down by rivers, and did not come from the sea, and that it was not supplied from the waste of clay or chalk cliffs along the sea coast. The only current along the coasts of England which could transport material in suspension was that due to the tidal wave, which travelled each way for about six hours at the rate of between 2 knots and 2 knots. The greatest distance material could be carried in one direction in suspension wae therefore 15 miles, and as the material eroded from the cliffs was not reached until some time after the tide had been running it would be carried a shorter distance toward the mouth of an estuary or the flood than away from it on the ebb, and with each tide would become more and more diffused over a great volume of water. It was contrary to all known laws of tidal action in rivers for material in suspension to be carried upwards for any great distance above the mouth of a river or estuary. The tidal wave propagated up a river created only an oscillating current, and the same quantity of tidal water which went up returned on the ebb, with the addition of the current produced by the fresh water; the tendency of movement was, therefore, downward, and not upward. As a further proof that solid matter in suspension could not be carried up a tidal river for any great distance, the salt from the sea, which was far more readily diffused than solid matter, penetrated only the lower reaches, the water entirely losing its saline properties as the tidal current progressed upwards. Except in very heavy gales, submerged sand-beds were not subject to alteration. So long as the natural conditions remained unaltered and the set of the tides was not interfered with, the equilibrium originally established between the several contending forces would remain. The effect of wave-action diminished rapidly as the depth increased, and while this action was only occasional, the tidal currents were continuous. When a channel was sufficiently deep to resist the surface-action of the winds, the tidal currents would maintain it. Numerous examples of the permanency of natural channels passing through sand-beds were given, and it was pointed out that the improvements which had been effected in dredging by means of sand-pumps rendered it practicable to permanently deepen the channels of the outfalls of rivers in sandy estuaries and the estuaries to harbours. The results obtained by dredging in the Harbour of New York, on the Mersey Bar, across the Stroombank at Ostend, and across the Charpentier Bank at the mouth of the Loire, were sufficient to show that it was practicable to improve the approach to harbours on sandy coasts by suction-dredging without the aid of training-walls, and at considerably less cost. Applying these facts, the following principles were deduced as essential in the construction of harbours on shingly or sandy coasts: (1) that piers running out from the coast should be so projected as not to derange the main set of the tidal stream, and be so designed as not to cause an eddy-current at the entrance to the harbour; (2) that the entrance to a harbour should be sufficiently large to prevent any strong set into it on the rising tide and to allow of its being filled with a current of lower velocity than that of the flood tide past the front of the entrance; (3) that the piers should project out from the coast into water of sufficient depth to be free from the action of littoral drift and beyond the local influence of matter in suspension derived from the waste of cliffs or detritus brought down by rivers. Several examples of harbours were given which had been successful or otherwise, dependent upon compliance with these principles in their

construction.

LAUNCHES AND TRIAL TRIPS.

LAUNCHES.-ENGLISH.

Maritta. On February 13th there was launched on the Tyne by Sir W. G. Armstrong & Co., a steel screw cargo steamer, built to the order of La Société Anonyme Belge de Navigation à Vapeur, managed by Messrs. Schenker, Walford & Co., London. The chief dimensions of the vessel are:Length, 330 ft.; breadth, 46 ft.; depth, moulded, 26 ft. The deadweight carrying capacity is about 5,000 tons. The vessel was named Maritta, and was taken to the works of the Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Co., where she will be fitted with triple-expansion engines, which will embrace all the latest improvements.

Breeze. On February 26th there was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Wood, Skinner & Co., at Bill Quay-on-Tyne, a new steel screw steamer, which has been built to the order of Mr. Wm. Kinnear, of Dundee. The following are the principal dimensions of the vessel, viz. :— Length overall, 188 ft.; breadth, moulded, 29 ft.; depth, moulded, 13 ft. 6 in. The vessel is of the long raised quarterdeck type, the cabins being arranged in the bridge amidships with entrance through house on bridge deck, while the crew are berthed in the topgallant forecastle. Water ballast is provided in the cellular double bottom all fore and aft. The steamer will be rigged as a fore-and-aft schooner, and will be fitted with every recent improvement and appliance for facilitating the rapid loading and discharging of cargo of a heavy character, which she is specially adapted for carrying, having extra large hatchways to take in same. She has been built to Lloyd's highest classification, and has also been superintended during construction by Mr. J. Baxter, of Newcastle, on behalf of the owner. Messrs. George Clark, Limited, of the Southwick Engine Works, Sunderland, will fit the vessel with a set of triple-expansion engines, having cylinders 13 in., 22 in., and 36 in. diameter respectively, with a stroke of 27 in., to be supplied with steam from a large steel boiler, which have also been constructed to Lloyd's requirements. As the vessel glided into the water she was named Breeze by Miss Dent, of Jesmond, Newcastle, and was at once taken round to Sunderland to receive her machinery.

Islander.-On Thursday, February 27th, there was launched from the yard of Messrs. Robert Thompson & Sons, Southwick, a finely-modelled screw steamer, built to the order of Messrs. Mark Whitwell & Son, Bristol. Dimensions:-Length b.p., 150 ft.; breadth, 24 ft.; depth, moulded, 11 ft. 10 in. ; designed to carry about 470 tons on Lloyd's freeboard, and steami 10 knots, with a net register of about 110 tons. She has long quarterdeck and bridge, with accommodation for captain and officers and a few passengers. Engineers are placed aft, with crew in topgallant forecastle, chart and wheelhouse on bridge. Ample water ballast is provided in double bottom throughout both holds, also fore and after peak, to enable her to make quick passages in ballast. The deck arrangements consist of large hatches to both holds, with powerful steam winch to each, with derricks fitted to work both sides. Meredith donkey boiler steam steering gear is placed in the engine-room and connected to wheel on bridge with shafting, also screw gear and wheel and quadrant aft. Vessel is schooner rigged, with raking pole masts, and is fitted with all the latest improvements for cargo and passenger vessel. The engines and boiler are being fitted by Messrs. Jameson & MacColl, Sunderland. During construction the vessel has been under the personal superintendence of Captain Mail, and the engines by Mr. Carter. As the vessel left the ways she was gracefully christened the Islander by Mrs. Whitwell.

Ellen Rickmers.-On February 27th at Messrs. J. L. Thompson & Sons, Limited, North Sands shipbuilding yard, a finely modelled screw steamer, the Ellen Rickmers, was launched. There was a large gathering of sightseers, and everything went off with the utmost éclat. In fact, the launch may be described as one of the most successful that has taken place for some time, the monster vessel leaving the stays so easily and gracefully, and without the slightest hitch of any kind. Miss Nellie Marr performed the christening ceremony. The vessel is one of two built to the order of Messrs. Rickmers, Reismuhlen, Rhedered & Schiffbau, A.G., of Bremen, and she is intended for the rice trade, to ply mainly between China and Bremen. She is 427 ft. long, 50 ft. 6 in. wide, and 30 ft. depth, moulded, and is designed to carry a deadweight of over 7,200 tons, with

Lloyd's summer freeboard. She has been built to Lloyd's highest class under special survey on the three-deck rules, and has a full poop, long bridge, and topgallant forecastle. The poop is arranged for cargo, and the officers' and engineers' berths and the spare state-rooms and saloon are placed in a house built on the top of the bridge deck. On the top of this saloon house is placed the chart and wheel-houses. The crew are berthed in the topgallant forecastle. The vessel is built on the web-frame principle, with intercostal stringers right fore and aft. The upper and main decks are of steel, the poop, bridge, and forecastle decks being of wood. Special attention has been paid to the loading and discharging arrangements, nine derricks being fitted, six of which are steel. Seven powerful steam winches are placed on deck at the hatches, while the steam windlass is on the forecastle deck. The steam steering gear is placed at the after end of the engine-room, and is controlled by a wheel from the steering house on the bridge forward. A powerful screw gear is placed at the after end of the poop. Water ballast is carried in a cellular double bottom, right fore and aft, and in the after peak. The vessel is fore and aft schooner rigged, with pole masts. On the upper bridge deck amidships are placed four large boats, the two lifeboats being of seamless steel. The vessel has a graceful clipper stem finished off with a well-carved figurehead, and elaborate trail boards running away from this. The steamer is intended for Messrs. Rickmers' line between Europe and the East, and will further add to the reputation of the builders, being a notable addition to the many modern, up-to-date cargo carriers which they have recently turned out. The engines are by Messrs. John Dickinson & Sons, Limited, and are of the following sizes:-27 in., 43 in., and 72 in., with a stroke of 48 in. Steam is supplied by three multitubular boilers, working at 180 lbs. pressure, and all the most modern improvements in propelling machinery are fitted, including Howden's forced draught arange. ment for the boilers. Subsequently those present at the ceremony adjourned to the company's offices. The company consisted of Mr. and Mrs. A. Heine, representatives of the owners, Mr. A. Rickmers, Mr. R. Thompson, J.P., Mr. Charles Thompson, Mr. Joseph Thompson, and Mr. Norman Thompson, Mr. James Marr, Mr. P. Phorson, Mr. Fred. Dickenson, Mr. James Dickenson, Mr. A. Dickenson, Mr. J. A. Bowdon, Dr. Todd, Mr. Bourne (of Messrs. Wigham Richardson & Co., of Newcastle); Mrs. Jno. Marychurch, of Cardiff; Mrs. R. Thomp son, Mrs. Humphrey, Miss Darling, Mrs. and Miss Nellie Marr. Mr. Robert Thompson. J.P., gave the toast "Success to the Ellen Rickmers," hoping that, though it was the last of the first lot, it would not be the last lot of the same class which the company would receive from the same firm. Mr. R. Thompson also gave "the health and future happiness of the lady who had performed the ceremony that day." He hoped she would sail through life as pleasantly as the vessel sailed into the river that day; that she would never meet troubles half-way, but when they did come they would be easily got over. The company then dispersed.

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Shadwell. On February 27th there was launched by Messrs. R. Stephenson & Co., Limited, at Hebburn-on-Tyne, an iron towing hopper barge, built to the order of the South Shields Corporation. This barge has been specially designed by Mr. C. H. Tate, naval architect, Newcastle, for the removal of the town refuse of South Shields. The hopper is of large capacity, to enable her to take to sea 350 tons of this refuse. The vessel was named the Shadwell.

Yashima. On February 28th there was launched from the Elswick Shipyard of Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co., a battleship which that firm has built to the order of the Japanese Government. The Yashima is 412 ft. long over all, and 372 ft. between perpendiculars. The maximum moulded breadth is 73 ft. 6 in., and the mean draught will be 43 ft. 7 in. The displacement with normal coal and all armament, stores, &c., on board will be 12,300 tons. The ship will be propelled by twin screws, the engines, which are supplied by Messrs. Humphrys, Tennant & Co., of Deptford, being of the threestage compound type. The cylinders are 40 in., 59 in., and 88 in. in diameter by 3 ft. 9 in. stroke. The design is similar to that now usually placed in war vessels, being of the inverted directacting type, with separate condensers. The boilers, ten in all, are of the ordinary return-tube type, and are single-ended, having four furnaces each. The steam pressure is to be 155 lbs. to the square inch. The estimated H.P. is 10,000 indicated with natural draught, and 13,500 indicated with limited forced draught. The corresponding speeds for these powers are 16

and 18 knots respectively. The coal capacity will be at normal draught 700 tons, but the bunkers are constructed to hold 1,200 tons. The ship is extensively subdivided, there being 181 watertight compartments in all. Of these 36 will be in the double bottom, 70 in the hold, 18 on the platform deck, 29 on the lower deck, 22 on the belt deck, and six on the main deck.

Talisman.-On February 28th Messrs. Ropner & Son, of Stockton, launched a steel screw steamer of the following dimensions, viz. :-Length between perpendiculars, 270 ft.; breadth, 39 ft. 6 in.; depth moulded, 17 ft. 6 in.; which they have built for Norwegian account. The steamer is built off the part awning decked rule, having poop and raised quarterdeck; the deadweight carrying capacity being 2,600 tons on 16 ft., the saloon and cabins for the captain and officers are fitted in the poop, whilst the engineers are accommodated in iron houses placed on the awning deck near the entrance to engine-room. She is built on the web-frame principle, leaving the holds entirely clear for cargo, and carries her water ballast in a cellular bottom, and in the after peak; all labour-saving appliances are fitted for the economical working of the steamer, and also for the expeditious loading and unloading of cargoes she has steam steering gear amidships, and screw gear aft, four powerful steam winches, a large multitubular donkey boiler, direct steam windlass, stockless anchors, &c. The engines will work up to about 700 effective H.P., and are by Messrs. Blair & Co., having cylinders 19 in., 32 in., by 52 in. by 36 in. stroke. Steam is supplied by two large steel boilers working at 160 lbs. pressure. The steamer was named the Talisman by Mrs. C. A. Bushell, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Emperor Nicholas II.-On February 28th Messrs. William Dobson & Co. launched at Low Walker-on-Tyne a steel twinscrew steamer, which they have built to the order of the Archangel Mourman Steam Navigation Co., of Archangel, for their mail, passenger, and cargo service between Archangel and the ports of the Mourman coast. The dimensions of the vessel are:-Length, 250 ft.; breadth, 32 ft.; and depth moulded, 20 ft. The hull and machinery are both constructed to meet the requirements of Lloyd's highest class. The propelling machinery has been constructed by the North-Eastern Marine Engineering Co., Limited, of Wallsend. It consists of two sets of triple-expansion engines having cylinders 14 in., 22 in., and 37 in. diameter, with a stroke of 27 in. On leaving the ways the vessel was christened Emperor Nicholas II.

Glasgow.-On February 28th a steel steamer of about 2,630 tons, was launched at Whitby, owned by Messrs. Maclay & Macintyre, Glasgow.

Umtali.-On February 29th the Umtali, a steel steamer, was launched at Sunderland, owned by Messrs. Bullard, King & Co., London.

The upper

Inchmona.-On February 29th there was launched from the yard of Messrs. Wm. Gray & Co., Limited, West Hartlepool, a screw steamer of the following dimensions:-335 ft. by 46 ft. 6 in. by 26 ft. 4 in. moulded depth, constructed to carry a cargo of 5,000 tons of deadweight on shallow draught, viz., 20 ft. 6 in. She has topgallant forecastle, long bridge amidships, hood and small house aft, is arranged for 920 tons water ballast in double bottom forward and deep cargo tank aft, and is the first vessel built on an improved spar deck plan which combines large deadweight with cubic capacity. deck, deep ballast tank, bulkheads, floors and tank tops are iron. The machinery of this vessel forms a new departure in marine engineering, the results of which are being awaited with much interest in shipowning and engineering circles. Instead of the usual triple-expansion engines, working at the pressure in vogue at the present day, the vessel will be fitted at the Central Marine Engine Works with the first set of Mudd's patent five crank engines, working in quadruple expansion, with a pressure of 255 lbs. per square inch. This pressure is being provided by two of the ordinary Marine Type Multitubular Cylindrical Boilers, working under induced draught. The object of this departure is to attain a higher economy of fuel than has been possible with the triple engine, and as a full exposition of the principles upon which the change is based would require lengthy treatment, it may suffice for the present to state that all parties interested in the success of this steamer have high hopes that the desired economy in working will be amply attained. Much credit is due to the owners and builders for their enterprise in making

such a departure from the beaten track in the design of marine engines, and the attainment of the expected results will mark an epoch in steamship efficiency. The steamer has been built to Lloyd's highest class to the order of Messrs. Hamilton, Fraser & Co., Liverpool, both hull and machinery being under the superintendence of their engineer, Mr. J. B. Edmiston, and the ceremony of naming the vessel Inchmona was gracefully performed by Mrs. W. C. Gray, of West Hartlepool.

Clarence.-On Saturday afternoon, February 29th, Messrs. Craig, Taylor & Co. launched from their Thornaby Shipbuilding Yard, Thornaby-on-Tees, the Clarence, a handsomely modelled steel screw steamer, to the order of F. le Boulanger, of Swansea. The dimensions of the vessel are 254 ft. by 37 ft. by 18 ft., and she is to the highest class in Lloyd's. She is built on the web-frame principle, and has raised quarterdeck, bridge, and topgallant forecastle. She is fitted for water ballast in doable bottom fore and aft, and also in peaks. The engines are being constructed by Messrs. Westgarth, English & Co., Middlesborough, and are of the following sizes, viz., 19 in., 31 in., and 51 in. by 33 in. stroke, with two large boilers to work at 160 lbs. pressure. She will be equipped with four large double-powered steam winches and patent steam steering gear by Messrs. R. Roger & Co., patent direct steam windlass by Messrs. Emerson, Walker, & Thompson Bros., Limited, and all the latest improvements for rapid loading and discharging. The hull of the vessel has been built under the superintendence of Mr. George Eldridge, whilst Mr. Conway has superintended the construction of the machinery. The christening ceremony was gracefully performed by Mrs. le Boulanger, the wife of the owner. She was presented with a very pretty bouquet by Master Robin Craig.

Howe. On March 2nd there was launched by Messrs. Cochrane & Cooper, at Grovehill, Beverley, a new steam trawler, 93 ft. by 20 ft. by 10 ft. depth of hold, built to the order of Mr. William Grant, of Grimsby. The vessel, which is to be fitted with 40 H.P. triple-expansion engines, by Messrs. C. D. Holmes & Co., of Hull, was christened the Howe.

Prince. On March 3rd there was launched by Messrs. Cochrane & Cooper, at Grovehill, Beverley, a steam trawler, built to the order of the Anchor Steam Fishing Co., Limited, Grimsby, of the following dimensions:-93 ft. by 20 ft. by 11 ft. depth of hold. The vessel, which is to be fitted with 40 N.P. triple-expansion engines, by Earle's Co., of Hull, was christened the Prince.

Radley.-On March 3rd Messrs. Priestman launched at Sunderland a modern cargo steamer for Messrs. Galbraith, Pembroke & Co., of London. Her dimensions are the same as those of the Charterhouse, constructed last year for the same owners, viz. :-Length, 336 ft.; breadth, 45 ft. 6 in.; depth, moulded, 26 ft. 1 in., with a carrying capacity of 4,900 tons. She is built to Lloyd's highest class, on the deep frame principle to semi-spar deck requirements. Engines of the triple-expansion type will be supplied by Messrs. Blair & Co., Stockton, having cylinders 24 in., 40 in., and 66 in., with 45 in. stroke. There are two large boilers of the single-ended type design, for a working pressure of 160 lb. per square inch. The vessel was named the Radley.

Fitzpatrick. On Tuesday, March 3rd, there was launched from the yard of the Tyne Iron Shipbuilding Co., Limited, of Willington Quay-on-Tyne, a steel-screw steamer, built to the order of Messrs. Burrell & Son, of Glasgow, and of the following dimensions, viz. :-Length, 365 ft.; breadth, 47 ft.; depth, 29 ft. 9 in., moulded, and to class 100 A1 at Lloyd's, on the three-decked rule. This vessel has water ballast, fitted right fore and aft on the cellular system, and is also fitted with all modern improvements for the rapid loading and discharging of cargo, including 7 double-cylindered steam winches, direct acting steam windlass, by Emerson, Walker & Co., large donkey boiler, steam steering gear, by Messrs. T. Caldwell & Co., Limited, and Hastie's screw gear aft. The engines, which are to be supplied by Messrs. North Eastern Marine Engineering Co., Limited, are of the triple-expansion type, having cylinders 27 in., 43 in., and 72 in. by 45 in. stroke, and working at a pressure of 170 lbs. On leaving the ways the vessel was named Fitzpatrick by Mrs. Roland Philipson, of Tynemouth.

Grimsby. She is a fine type of a modern cargo boat, measuring over 340 ft. in length, and built throughout of Siemens-Martin steel, with a large measurement and deadweight capacity, and built to the highest class at Lloyd's. The vessel is of the spardeck type, with poop, bridge, and forecastle. The holds are fitted with iron grain divisions, and all decks, deck erections, skylights, bulwarks, bulkheads, etc., are constructed of steel and iron, cellular double bottom all fore and aft for water ballast, the after-peak being also available as a tank. The greater portion of the plates are in 24 ft. lengths, making the structure of the ship very strong. Four steam winches, one donkey boiler, patent steam steering-gear amidships with screw gear aft, direct steam patent windlass, by Emerson, Walker & Co., stockless anchors, hauling into hawse pipes, and other modern appliances are fitted for the handy working of the vessel. The saloon and cabin providing accommodation for the captain, &c., is handsomely finished in polished hardwood, with painted panels, executed in an effective style by the staff of ladies employed by the firm. The steamer will be rigged as a twomasted fore-and-aft schooner, and has been constructed under the personal supervision of Mr. Squires. She will be fitted with triple-expansion engines by Messrs. W. Allan & Co., Limited, Sunderland. On leaving the ways she was gracefully christened Thrunscoe by Miss Squires.

Capitan Muniz Gamero.-On March 3rd Messrs. Laird Brothers, of Birkenhead, launched the second of four 30-knot torpedo-boat destroyers, which they are building for the Chilian Government. She was named Capitan Muniz Gamers. vessels were ordered in August last.

These

Toronto.-On March 4th an iron ketch-rigged steamer, of about 150 tons, named the Toronto, was launched at Hull, owned by the Hull Steam Fishing and Ice Co., of Hull.

Zero-On Thursday, March 12th, there was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. J. L. Thompson & Sons, Limited, North Sands, the steamer Zero, built to the order of Messrs. Turner, Brightman & Co., London. This vessel is of the partial awning-deck type, having long raised quarter-deck, and has been built under special survey for Lloyd's highest classification. She is of the following dimensions, viz.:Length, 330 ft.; breadth, 42 ft.; depth moulded, 23 ft. 7 in.; with a deadweight carrying capacity of about 4,500 tons. The captain's, officers' and engineers' accommodation and spare state-rooms are arranged in sidehouses under shelter deck, which extends the length of the engine and boiler space amidships, where the saloon is also placed, with chart and wheelhouse on top. The engines are by Messrs. Blair & Co., Limited, of Stockton, and are of the triple-expansion type, having cylinders 23 in., 39 in., and 64 in. diameter respectively, with a stroke of 42 in., being supplied with steam from three boilers of the multitubular form, of a working pressure of 160 lbs. per square inch. The fore-and-after holds of the Zero will be insulated and refrigerating apparatus fitted for the carrying of fresh meat for the River Plate Fresh Meat Co., of London, in whose service the vessel will be placed. On leaving the ways the Zero was christened by Mrs. Wood. During construction the vessel has been under the superintendence of Mr. P. J. McCabe, on behalf of the owners.

Argo and Bravo.-On March 12th two steam trawlers, named respectively the Argo and the Bravo, were launched by Earle's Co., at Hull, for the Ocean Steam Fishing Co., of Grimsby. They are 93 ft. 6 in. long, 20 ft. 6 in. beam, 10 ft. 6 in. depth of hold, and are built to Lloyd's highest class. The machinery consists of triple-compound engines, working on three cranks, and having cylinders 10 in., 17 in., and 30 in. diameter, by 21-inch stroke.

Parthia.-On Friday, March 13th, Messrs. Richardson, Duck & Co. launched from their building yard a steel screw steamer of the following dimensions :-Length over all, 309 ft.; breadth, extreme, 42 ft.; depth, moulded, 27 ft. 6 in.; tonnage gross, about 2,730 tons. The vessel has been built under special survey, and will take Lloyd's 100 A1 class. She is of the complete awning deck type, with a large deckhouse forward of engine casing, in which accommodation is provided for 12 passengers, an upper deckhouse being fitted for captain, smokeroom, and chart-room. The officers and engineers are berthed on each side of casing. The vessel has a cellular double bottom all fore and aft, which, together with the after-peak, is arranged for water ballast. She will be schooner-rigged, and her equipment includes four large steam winches, steam steering

gear, stockless anchors, direct steam windlass, by Emerson, Walker & Co., and all the latest appliances to facilitate loading, discharging, &c. Her engines are by Messrs. Blair & Co., cylinders 22 in., 37 in., and 61 in. by 42 in. stroke, with two large single-ended boilers, working at 160 lbs. pressure. The vessel has been built to the order of Messrs. A. C. de Freitas & Co., for their South Brazil trade. As she left the ways she was christened Parthia by Miss E. Dale, daughter of Dr. Dale, J.P., of Stockton-on-Tees.

Ebane.-On Saturday, March 14th, Messrs. Wm. Gray & Co., Limited, launched a handsomely modelled screw steamer of the following dimensions, viz. :-Length, over all, 270 ft.: breadth, 36 ft. 2 in.; and depth, 22 ft. 8 in.; built to the order of the African Association, of Liverpool, for their line of steamers between that port, the Continent, and the West Coast of Africa. The vessel takes Lloyd's highest class, is built of Siemens-Martin mild steel, with poop for passengers, having well lighted berths and tasteful saloon and smokingroom above. The engineers' and officers' rooms are amidships in long bridge, and the crew's berths in the topgallant forecastle. An ice-room is fitted under the deck, and electric bells will be fitted in the cabins. Electric light installation will be provided for lighting the ship throughout. A cellular double bottom is fitted throughout for water ballast. All the usual first-class working appliances will be provided, including patent stockless anchors, stowing into hawsepipes, patent direct steam windlass, by Emerson, Walker & Co., multitubular donkey boiler, four steam winches, steam crane, patent steam steering gear amidships, hand screw gear aft, and two pole masts, with fore-and-aft rig, &c. The Central Marine Engine Works of Messrs. Wm. Gray & Co., Limited, supply the engines, which are of the triple-expansion type, of 1,200 H.P., and two large steel boilers to work at 160 lbs. pressure per square inch. The hull and machinery have been built under the superintendence of Mr. E. H. Bushell, of Liverpool, on behalf of the owners. The ceremony of christening the ship Ebane was gracefully performed by Mrs. John Holt, wife of the chairman of the African Association, Limited.

Yorke.-On March 17th Messrs. S. P. Austin & Son launched from the Wear Dock Yard a steel-screw steamer for the general over-sea trades. The vessel was named Yorke by Mrs. Austin.

Dorothy.-On March 17th Messrs. Ropner & Son, of Stockton-on-Tees, launched a steel-screw steamer of the following dimensions, viz. :-Length between perpendiculars, 290 ft.; breadth, extreme, 43 ft.; moulded depth, 19 ft. 9 in.; which they have built for Messrs. J. S. Allison & Co., West Hartlepool. The steamer is built off the part awning deck rule, with poop and raised quarterdeck, her deadweight carrying capacity being 3,500 tons on 18 ft. The saloon and cabins for captain and officers are fitted in the poop, the engineers' accommodation being amidship. She is built on the webframe principle, leaving the holds entirely clear for cargo, and carries her water ballast in a cellular bottom and in the afterpeak. All labour-saving appliances are fitted for the economical working of the steamer, and also for the expeditious loading and unloading of cargoes. She has steam steering gear amidship and screw gear aft, four powerful steam winches, two large donkey boilers, direct steam windlass, stockless anchors, &c. The engines will work up to about 900 effective H.P., and are by Messrs. Thomas Richardson & Sons, Limited, having cylinders 213 in., 35 in., and 59 in. by 39 in. stroke, steam being supplied by two large steel boilers working at 160 lbs. pressure. Mrs. Allison, wife of the managing owner, named the steamer Dorothy.

The

Asturia.-On March 17th there was launched from the Jarrow yard of Messrs. Palmer's Shipbuilding and Iron Co., Limited, a large screw steamer, built to the order of the Hamburg-American Steam Navigation Co., Hamburg. Her dimensions are as follows:-Length, between perpendiculars, 390 ft. beam, 53 ft.; depth, moulded, about 29 ft. vessel will be rigged as a two-masted fore-and-aft schooner, and has been constructed under special survey to obtain German Lloyd's highest class, and is of the three-deck type, with a combined poop and bridge extending to after end of main hatch, and a topgallant forecastle. The main and upper decks are of steel all fore and aft, and all the exposed decks are sheathed with wood. A double bottom for water ballast is fitted all fore and aft, and divided at the centre line for the purpose of assisting to trim the vessel, a separate

The

system of piping being fitted on each side of centre-line division, enabling each compartment to be filled and emptied independently. The vessel has been designed for the emigrant, cattle, and general cargo trade, and will be lighted throughout by electricity, and fitted complete with all the latest improvements for this service. The accommodation for the captain, officers, engineers, and also galleys and emigrants' hospitals, &c., will be in deckhouses on the top of the bridge and in side houses in fore end of bridge; the remainder of the poop and bridge, and also part of the lower 'tween deck aft, will be fitted with accommodation for 300 to 400 emigrants. The emigrants' berths are of Hoskins' latest patent, and are fitted along each side in separate rooms for ten persons each, the centre of the deck being left clear for the table, seats, &c. The whole of the fittings are portable, and the space may thus be readily converted for carrying cattle or general cargo. remainder of the 'tween decks, not occupied by the emigrants, will be fitted for cattle, and a complete system of water service, sidelights, fan ventilators, &c., will be supplied and fitted as in first-class cattle boats. A small insulated space is fitted in the lower hold aft with refrigerating machinery, &c., complete for stowing ice, vegetables, and meat for the use of the emigrants and crew. The remainder of space in lower holds to be fitted for general cargo and a complete system of steam winches, derricks, and steam cranes for the efficient working of general cargoes, will be fitted. The engines, which are also built by the Palmer Co., are of the triple-expansion type, with cylinders 27 in., 45 in., and 74 in. by 48 in. stroke, steam being supplied by three single-ended boilers 15 ft. 9 in. diameter by 11 ft. long; working pressure of steam, 180 lbs. All modern apparatus and appliances for the most efficient and economical working are being fitted, and the whole of the vessel and machinery is being constructed to meet the requirements of the German emigrant service. The vessel was gracefully launched by Mrs. Viereck, wife of Mr. Viereck, the superintending engineer of the vessel, and was christened the Asturia by Mrs. Spicer, of Whitley.

Trevose.-On March 18th there was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. John Readhead & Sons West Docks, South Shields, a new steel screw steamer of the following dimensions, viz. :- Length, 323 ft. by 47 ft. by 25 ft. moulded depth. The vessel is intended for general trade, is of the new improved single deck type, and is fitted up with all the latest improvements for rapid loading and discharging of the cargo. Her engines, also built by Messrs. John Readhead & Sons, are of the triple-expansion type, having cylinders 24 in., 40 in., and 64 in. by 42-in. stroke, steam being supplied from two large steel boilers, working at a pressure of 160 lbs. per square inch. The steamer has been built to the order of Messrs. Edward Hain & Son, St. Ives, Cornwall, and is the thirtieth vessel built by Messrs. John Readhead & Sons for the same owners. She is named the Trevose.

Chater-dag. On March 18th Messrs. R. and W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co., Limited, launched at Hebburn-on-Tyne a steel screw steamer for the Black Sea trade. She is one of three vessels building for the Russian Steam Navigation and Trading Co., of Odessa. Her dimensions are:-220 ft. by 34 ft. by 14ft. moulded, and she has a deadweight capacity of 1,100 tons. The machinery (cylinders 16 in., 26 in., and 43 in. by 30-in. stroke) is being supplied by the company's St. Peter's Engine Works. The vessel was named the Chater-dag.

Jubilee. On March 19th a new steam yacht, for service between Barmouth and Penmaenpool, on the River Mawddach, was launched at Birkenhead. She is named the Jubilee, and takes the place of a smaller yacht which has been in the above service for some years, but which has now been transferred to Bangor, for service at Garth Ferry. The new Jubilee is 63 ft. long, by 12 ft. beam, and has been built under Board of Trade survey by Messrs. Cochran & Co., Birkenhead, for Captain Griffith, of Barmouth.

LAUNCHES.-SCOTCH.

Indraghiri.-On March 5th, a steel schooner-rigged steamer of about 4, 596 tons, named the Indraghiri, was launched at Glasgow. Owned by Mr. T. B. Royden, of Liverpool.

Westfield.-On February 19th there was launched by Messrs. Russell & Co., of Port-Glasgow, a steel four-masted barquentine, built to the order of Messrs. James Nicoll & Co., ship and insurance brokers, Dundee. The vessel was named

the Westfield. Her dimensions are: 210 ft. by 35 ft. 6 in., by 19 ft. 6 in. Her register tonnage is 1,020, while her dead. weight carrying capacity is 1,800 tons.

Giayota-On February 25th Messrs. A. Rodger & Co., shipbuilders, Port-Glasgow, launched a twin screw awning-deck steamer, to the order of the Amazon Steam Navigation Co., Limited, London. The dimensions are:- Length 120 ft.; breadth, 22 ft. 6 in.; depth, 8 ft. 9 in. This steamer is intended for passenger traffic on the river Amazon, and will be supplied with engines by Messrs. Rankin & Blackmore, Greenock. She was named Giavota.

Skomer. On February 27th the Skomer, an iron steamer of about 151 tons gross, was launched at Aberdeen. Owned by Messrs. Neale & West, Cardiff.

Polycarp.-On February 28th Messrs. Barclay, Curle & Co., Limited, launched from Clydeholm Shipbuilding Yard, Whiteinch, a steel screw steamer built to the order of Messrs. Alfred Booth & Co., Liverpool. The vessel (sister ship to the s.8. Dominic and 8.8. Dunstan, constructed by the builders for the same owners) is built to Lloyd's 100 Al spar-deck class, and will be furnished with every modern requisite to facilitate the working of the ship and the loading and discharging of cargo. The vessel is to be completely lit up with electric light, and is fitted with telescopic masts for service on the Manchester Canal. While under construction the vessel was superintended by Messrs. Garland & Beckett. Her dimensions are-322 ft. by 42 ft. by 28 ft., and will carry about 4,600 tons deadweight. On moving on the ways the vessel was named the Polycarp by Miss Constance Booth, of Liverpool, and afterwards proceeded to the crane to receive her engines, which are on the tripleexpansion principle, developing about 1,700 H.P., and which will be supplied by the builders,

Vingard. On March 2nd the Vingard, a steel steamer of about 125 tons gross, was launched at Aberdeen. Owned by the Tullos & Foyers Steamship Co., Aberdeen.

Smiling Morn.-On March 2nd the Smiling Morn, a steel steamer of about 125 tons gross, was launched at Aberdeen. Owned by the Tullos & Foyers Steamship Co., Aberdeen.

Bellasco.-On March 2nd Messrs. David and William Henderson & Co. launched from their yard at Partick a handsomely-modelled steel-screw steamer named the Bellasco, which they have built to the order of Messrs. Bell Bros. & M'Lelland, of Glasgow. This vessel is a duplicate of the Bellailsa, lately launched by this firm for the same owners, and is of the following dimensions:-Length, 350 ft.; breadth, 45 ft.: depth, 28 ft.; gross tonnage, about 3,800 tons. The Bellasco has been built under the special survey of the British Corporation for the highest class in their registry, B.S. The double bottom is fitted for water ballast fore and aft, and the aft-peak for use as a trimming tank. There are two complete steel decks, and the upper deck is sheathed with pine. The erections consist of a poop, bridge, and forecastle. The accommodation for passengers, officers, and engineers is in houses on the bridge deck. The saloon is handsomely finished in houses polished hardwood, and all the state-rooms and officers' rooms are of large size and very completely furnished. A large teak house is fitted on the top of the saloon-house, containing chartroom and wheel-house. The upper navigating bridge is on the top of this. The crew are berthed on the topgallant forecastle, which also contains their wash-houses, store-rooms, &c. The cargo gear is of the most complete description, including seven large steam winches and double derricks at each hatch, capable of lifting weights up to five tons. The masts are telescopic, to render the vessel suitable for the Manchester Ship Canal. The outfit includes steam steering gear by Caldwell & Co., steam windlass by Clarke, Chapman & Co., and Chadburn's steering and engine telegraphs, &c. The machinery has been constructed by the builders' firm. It consists of a set of tripleexpansion engines, with cylinders 24 in., 40 in., and 66 in diameter respectively, by 48 in. stroke, and is suited for a working pressure of 165 lbs. Steam is supplied by two large singleended boilers fitted with Howden's system of forced draught. During construction the hull and machinery have been under the personal supervision of Mr. P. Gifford, the owners' superintendent. This is the eleventh vessel Messrs. D. & W. Henderson & Co. have built for Messrs. Bell Bros. & M'Leiland. As the Bellasco left the ways she was gracefully named by Miss Kitty M'Lelland, daughter of Mr. Robert M'Lelland, Montgomerie Quadrant, Kelvinside.