About 1887 Japan definitely decided to draw all her Q.F. guns, 6-in. or 4.7-in., from Elswick, and all heavy guns from Canet. Krupp’s pieces were discarded. This resolution was adhered to till 1902-03, so far as Elswick was concerned, but Canet guns were given up some years ago. Elswick guns were, in 1890, shipped to France for the Itsukushima and her sister. At present (1904) new guns are on the Vickers model.

Following the Takao, Yokosuka launched the despatch vessel Yayeyama in 1899. She was designed by M. Bertin. Her dimensions, etc., are:—

Displacement 1605 tons.
Material of hull Steel.
Length 315 ft.
Beam 34½ ft.
Draught 15 ft.
Armament Three 4.7-in. Q.F.
Six machine guns.
Two torpedo tubes.
Horse-power (forced draught) 5630.
Speed on trial 20.7 knots.
Screws Two.

The engines were provided by Messrs. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co. of England, and, instead of the horizontal compound previously fitted in Japanese-built ships, are horizontal, direct-acting, triple expansion. The boilers are of steel; there are six of these—cylindrical.

Over the engines and boilers a ½-in. steel deck is carried, affording, in conjunction with the bunkers, some slight protection.

The Onohama Yard laid down a vessel in this year, the Oshima. She was launched in 1890. Particulars:—

Displacement 640 tons.
Material of hull Steel.
Length 233 ft.
Beam 25½ ft.
Draught 15¾ ft.
Armament Four 4.7-in. Q.F.
Eight 3-pdr. Q.F.
Horse-power (forced draught) 1200.
Speed on trial 16 knots.
Screws One.

[From a Japanese print.

THE UNEBI (NOW LOST).