§ Two types of these cruisers have been decided upon, identical in armament, rig, and protection, but differing in structure, propelling machinery, and boilers, speed and coal endurance.
§ For distant service on stations where docking accommodation does not exist, or may not be available in time of war, it has been decided to build four vessels ("Blanche" class), having their steel hulls sheathed with wood, and coppered. These vessels will have only light fore-and-aft steadying sails. Their dimensions are—
| Length | 220 feet. |
| Breadth | 35 feet. |
| Displacement (about) | 1,600 tons. |
| Speed (with full coal supply)— | |
| On measured mile | 16½ knots. |
| At sea (continuous steaming) | 15 knots. |
| Radius of action at 10 knots (about) | 3,500 knots. |
§ Armament:—
- 6 36-prs. (quick-firers).
- 4 3-prs. (quick-firers).
- 2 Torpedo tubes.
§ The protective steel deck will extend throughout the length, and have (over vitals) a maximum thickness of 2 inches, and a minimum of 1 inch.
§ The engines will be of the vertical triple expansion type, and the boilers of the ordinary return tube marine type. Twin screws will be adopted as in all other modern cruisers.
§ For service from a base, such as in the Channel Squadron, or the Mediterranean, it has been decided to construct two steel-bottomed third-class cruisers ("Bellona" class), which (as explained above) resemble the "Blanche" class in armament and protection, but have higher speed. In these vessels the modified locomotive type of boiler, which has achieved success in the torpedo gunboats, will be fitted. A maximum speed of 19½ knots will thus be secured; the vessels will be about 50 feet longer than the "Blanche" class, and of 200 tons greater displacement. Their coal endurance at 10 knots will be about 2,600 knots.