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Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1193, 6 February 1864, Page 3

The French Iron-cased Squadrox.—A letter from Funchal, in the island of Madeira, of the 2nd inst., gives some details of the French iron-cased squadron which had just arrived there. The squadron sailed from Brest on the 27th October, with fine weather, which continued during the voyage. The ships made various trials of their speed on different tacks during four days. They first sailed in a line, each ship having on the tirst day two of her boilers heated, four oil the second day, six on the third, and eight on the fourth. The ship of the line Solferino always kept the lead, performing 14 knots an hour on an average. The ship of the line Magenta and the frigate Couronne came next, making 13 knots. The Napoleon, one of the best ships of the old steam navy, followed the Couronne. The iron-cased frigates Invincible and Norrnandie followed close after the Napoleon. The five iron-cased ships all behaved well, as none of thein steamed less than 12 knots an hour. During the trial they madtf with sails only the Solferino, although her masts are very low, accomplished six knots, taking the lead of all the others. After the sailing qualities of the ships were ascertained, an experiment was made to ascertain the consumption of coal. It appeared that each iron-cased ship can carry sufficient coal to perform 1400 nautical leagues. Vice-Admiral Penaud hoisted his flag on board the Solferino. According to his orders the squadron are to weigh anchor on the Bth inst. and to proceed to Teneriffe, and to return thence direct to Brest.—Times, Nov. 6.