ntative shot will not
exceed L14,900.

The _Sluggard_, Coast Defence Seventh Class Armoured Cruiser, having had
the boilers from the old _Phlegethon_ fitted to her new triple revolving
expansion engines, made her experimental trip over the measured mile
yesterday afternoon, under forced draught. Somehow, the speed realised
under the circumstances, appeared to disappoint the experts who had come
to take note of the proceedings, for though the captain gave the order
"to pipe all hands to sit on the safety valve," and himself by putting
his own cabin furniture into the furnaces, managed to set both the
smoke-stacks on fire, only 5.08 knots could be got out of the ship.
This, under the existing conditions, was considered "bad going," and it
is probable that if the _Sluggard_ has to be attached, as it is stated
she is to be, in time of war, to a flying squadron in the Pacific, she
will have to be supplied with another set of boilers, a more powerful
engine, and possibly a new hull. The authorities at the Dockyard, it is
stated, are taking the matter under consideration, with a view to the
application of one or more of these remedial alternatives.

Her Majesty's First Class Battle-ship, _Hamilton_, has received the
second of the four 75-ton guns that are to complete her armament. It is
confidently hoped that if the same satisfactory rate of production can
be maintained, she will be nearly ready for active service at the end of
the year after next.

* * * * *

THE FIRST SWALLOW!--Look out for it! It will be a rare sight! Quite
enough to "make" a summer at the Aquarium, when SUCCI takes his first
mouthful at a square meal.

* * * * *

A (PITCHED) OUTING.

[Illustration]

_Monday._--Start off in the coach we've hired, for a week's jolly Easter
coaching trip in Southern counties. Just read "leader" in _D. T._ on
subject, and letter from "MACLISE" saying that _he_ did it with twelve
friends, and total cost only one pound a head per day! Lucky to have
secured such a good amateur whip as BOB to drive our four-in-hand. Don't
mind a pound a day--for one week. Original, and rather swell way of
taking a holiday. Lovely warm day when we start. Should say, when we're
off, only word "off" suggests unpleasant possibilities.

_Tuesday._--Only did ten miles yesterday. Ought to have covered
twenty-five. Provoking! BOB didn't seem accustomed to the reins. Said
they were "