It chances that while these volumes were being prepared, a steam yacht of a remarkable character was being built, and it seems desirable to include a few words about this vessel, for the reason that she is, perhaps, the most perfect boat ever constructed for a private gentleman. Reference is made to the magnificent twin-screw steam yacht 'Giralda,' the property of Mr. Harry McCalmont of Cheveley Park, Newmarket. 'Giralda' gives evidence of the perfection to which vessels of this type are now being brought. She is about 1,800 tons yacht measurement, and her principal dimensions are: Length between perpendiculars, 275 feet; breadth moulded, 35 feet; depth moulded, 19 feet. She is built with thirteen water-tight bulkheads of Siemens-Martin's steel to Lloyd's highest class, and so constructed as to be readily converted into a light-armed cruiser or despatch vessel for Admiralty requirements.

A notable point will be her speed of twenty knots, to develop which she is fitted with twin-screw machinery and five boilers, three of which are double-ended, and two single-ended, with sixteen furnaces, all adapted for forced draught. The machinery consists of two independent and separate sets of triple-expansion direct-acting surface-condensing engines, one set to each screw propeller, and will indicate with forced draught 6,500 horse-power, or with natural draught 5,000 horse-power. The bunker capacity is 400 tons of coal, and the fresh-water tanks are ample for Admiralty requirements; in addition to which she is fitted with fresh-water condenser capable of producing 1,200 gallons per diem. The yacht is also fitted with large ice-house and refrigerating chamber.

One of the special features in the 'Giralda' is that the saloons—consisting of smoking-room, boudoir, or library, spacious dining saloon and drawing-room—are all on the main deck, where there are also situated lavatories for cabins and crew, three galleys, and ample pantry and service spaces. Owner's sleeping accommodation is below, fore and abaft the machinery space, having intercommunication on the main deck through the house. The officers and crew are berthed forward, and the servants' quarters are aft. It is almost unnecessary to add that the cabin accommodation has had the most special attention, both in respect of arrangement and fittings, and the greatest care has been taken throughout for ventilating, heating, and insulation where necessary. A large bridge or shade deck extends along about 160 feet of the vessel, on which, forward, is the bridge, and also the chart and wheel houses. The boats are housed on this deck, and there is steam hoisting gear for steam launch and larger boats.

The yacht is lighted throughout by electricity, there being over 200 incandescent lamps. In addition to these, there are fitted two regulation-size search lights, and groups of electric lights for each mast. There are two separate and independent engines and dynamos, connected with large accumulators of sufficient capacity to supply the whole of the lamps for many hours without re-charging.

Mr. McCalmont has himself taken the very greatest personal interest in the arrangement of all details, which have been carried out by Messrs. Cox & King, of Suffolk Street, Pall Mall, London, under the direction of Professor Elgar, the designer of the well-known Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., of Govan, Glasgow by whom the yacht is being built.