§ These vessels are to be practically reproductions of the "Buzzard," and are specially intended for service on distant foreign stations. They are twin-screw unprotected sloops of about 1,150 tons displacement, and 14½ knots measured mile speed, with 160 tons of coal on board. Including the "Swallow," which has been in commission for some time, there are four vessels of the class built and building. The two new vessels are to be built with steel hulls, wood sheathed, and coppered; their predecessors are composite-built. They will have a fair amount of sail, but this is auxiliary only to their steam power.