vided with a disc for day and with a small oil-lamp for night. It is claimed for this torpedo that it is controllable to a distance of upwards of 2,500 yards. I understand that the Russian Government possess several of these weapons. Different accounts, however, are given as to the performances of this torpedo, and further information about it is required before it can be pronounced a success. The Brennan torpedo, called after the inventor, Mr. Brennan, of Melbourne, appears to be a much simpler weapon. It is about 20ft. long with a maximum diameter of about 20in. In the body of the torpedo are placed two drums round which is wound a fine wire, and the drums are connected with the shaft of the screw propellers attached to the stern. On the wire on the drums inside the torpedo being unwound, the screw-shaft revolves and the torpedo moves ahead. Steering is effected by increasing or decreasing the velocity with which the wire on either drum is unwound. There is an apparatus within the torpedo by means of which it assumes and retains the level below water at which it is required to move. The arrangement for guiding the weapon is somewhat similar in principle to that used in the Lay. In this case, however, there is only one rod and disc attached to the top of the torpedo, which is painted red on the side towards the operator. When used at night, a funnel, which appears above water, and emits luminous chemical fumes, takes the place of the painted disc. The trials of this torpedo in the River Medway, in 1882, showed that it was effective at a range of 2,000 yards, and were deemed so successful that the Imperial Government bought the patent of it. Brennan torpedo. I now wish to draw your attention to torpedo-vessels, which are now regarded by naval nations as of great importance in maritime warfare. Torpedo-vessels. Steam-launches, or other craft not specially constructed for the purpose, may be fitted with outrigger-spars, at the end of which torpedoes may be placed, and directed against the side of an enemy's ship. Speed, however, being a great element in the success of torpedo-vessels, they are now constructed so as to steam with great rapidity, and to carry Whitehead torpedoes, which, as I have already stated, may be propelled against a ship at a distance of several hundred yards. As you are no doubt aware, some of these vessels of the second class have lately been provided, on the recommendation of Major-General Scratchley, to take part in the defence of your principal ports. These measure 63ft. long with a beam of 7ft. 6in., will go about seventeen knots per hour, and one of them has been fitted with gear for the Whitehead torpedo. Torpedo-boats have, however, been constructed of much greater size and speed, and with sea-going qualities.