reviewing the last improvements
in this branch.

V. MISCELLANEOUS.--Herbet's Tepid Douche.--Apparatus in use
for bathing soldiers in the French barracks.--1 illustration.

Kent's Torsion Balance.--A new type of balance, involving
torsional suspension instead of knife edges.--5 illustrations.

Preservative Liquid.--Note on preservation of organic
substances.

The Falls of Gairsoppa.--The great Indian falls, higher than
Niagara.--2 illustrations.

The New British Coinage and Jubilee Medal.--Illustrations and
descriptions of the new pieces.--8 illustrations.

The Winner of the Derby.--Portrait and description of Merry
Hampton.

VI. NAVAL ENGINEERING.--The Falke Type Torpedo Boat.--The fastest
type of British torpedo boat, constructed by Messrs. Yarrow
& Co.--1 illustration.

The German Navy.--The New Gunboat Eber.--A description of
a late accession to the German navy.--1 illustration.

VII. ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY.--Magazine Rifles.--Continuation of
this important article, including the Chaffee-Reece,
Kropatschek, and other magazine guns.--3 illustrations.

New British Torpedo Experiments.--Experiments with torpedoes
against a ship.--The efficiency or torpedo nets.--The effects of
Whitehead torpedoes.

* * * * *

THE FALKE TYPE TORPEDO BOAT.

Among the different classes of vessels designed for special services,
constructed by Messrs. Yarrow & Co., at Poplar, for the British
government, is one which is stated to be the fastest torpedo boat in her
majesty's navy. This boat has been put through its official trials; with
a load of 15 tons, running continuously for two hours without stopping,
a speed of 23 knots, which is equal to 261/2 statute miles, an hour was
obtained. The boat is 135 ft. long by 14 ft. beam. Its design is known
as the Falke type, being in many respects similar, but very superior, to
a torpedo boat of that name which was built two years ago by the same
firm for the Austrian government. The form of the hull is of such a
character as to give exceptional steering capabilities; at the time of
trial it was found to be able to steer round in a circle of a diameter
of 100 yards, averaging 62 seconds. The forward part of the boat is
completely covered over by a large turtle back, which is the customary
form of the boats built by Messrs. Yarrow & Co. It was