§ On the other hand, the Torpedo Gunboat, the "Rattlesnake," has been an undoubted success, for it has been actively employed during last year, taking part in the experimental cruise of the Torpedo Flotilla, and also in the Naval Manœuvres of August, 1887. On the whole her performances have been most satisfactory; and her power of maintaining a high rate of speed and thorough habitability under circumstances of wind and sea, which compel even the largest torpedo boats to slow down, has been conclusively established.
§ In view of the ascertained qualities of the "Rattlesnake," and of what is being done by other Navies in the construction of similar vessels, a design has been approved for a larger and swifter vessel than the "Rattlesnake." the "Sharpshooter," provided, for the Estimates of 1887–8, has been commenced at Dovonport, and arrangements have been made for building sis other vessels of the type at Devonport and Chatham in 1888. These vessels have a displacement of 735 tons, as against the 590 tons of the "Rattlesnake," and this additional tonnage is associated with a speed of 21 knots, as against 19 knots of the smaller vessel. The armament is proportionately stronger. The completion of the vessels of this type, which are both building and about to be laid down, will give a total of 11 Torpedo Gunboats to the Navy.