[Woolwich Dockyard, new Mortar-raft]

There is at present building in Woolwich Dockyard a new description of mortar-raft for use in naval warfare. The raft will be sup­ported by four pontoons, fitted lengthways, and which will also serve for the powder-magazine, thereby leaving the whole surface of the raft clear for the working of the mortars. It will be so constructed that it can be taken to pieces and put together in a very short time, as it is secured with bolts and screws, so that it will be taken on in pieces in ships to which it may be attached, and put together when required for action.