First-class composite corvettes. Six of the number form a subdivision of the class, being of later build, having about 30 tons more displacement and carrying but twelve instead of fourteen 64-pdrs. The noticeable feature with regard to this class is the recession of the spar-deck rail forward and aft to give clear bow and stern fire. Only one gun is used at either end, pivoting each side. In the case of the Amethyst class these guns are 64-pdrs., mounted on ordinary carriages. In the Cleopatra class and larger ships they are 7-inch guns, mounted on pivot carriages, which renders the working much heavier. The bow and stern-guns are both under cover; the broadside guns are on the open spar-deck.
AMETHYST.
CORMORANT CLASS (twelve in number).
Second-class composite corvettes, carrying 7-inch bow and stern-guns and 64-pdrs. in broadside.
ALBATROSS CLASS (six in number).
Third-class composite corvettes, carrying 64-pdr. bow and stern-guns and 7-inch broadside. These vessels are bark rigged, and carry crews of one hundred and twenty men.
IRIS. MERCURY.
Fast steel despatch and torpedo vessels. Their batteries consist of ten 64-pdrs. The boilers and engines take up the greater part of the space below. In addition to the battery each vessel carries four 80-feet Thorneycroft torpedo-boats fitted for launching Whitehead torpedoes. These launches are carried on a species of gallows-frame amidships, the frame being carried to the outer edge of the rail, so that the launch may be slid out over the side and lowered without trouble. In exterior appearance these vessels are not unlike fast mail packets.
