SHIPS’ BOATS.
Steam-launches are at present, as a rule, fitted with spar or Whitehead torpedo-gear of a general and simple type. It is not intended that these boats should be classed as fighting torpedo-boats, as they lack the requisite speed and protection, and, as a rule, are too noisy to be of use except in a general or concentrated attack. Such boats find their greatest sphere of usefulness in clearing channels of obstructions and countermining. For the former work many are now provided with electrical valve-gear and steering apparatus, by which they may be controlled from a boat towed some distance astern, as in the manipulation of the Lay torpedo.