3-082-284 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The French gun-boat "Précieuse," specially constructed for the Madagascar Expedition, 1895. 'The special flotilla for the French naval expedition to Madagascar is being constructed as rapidly as possible. Already more than one gun-boat is completed, the first being the Précieuse, of which we give an Illustration. It does the greatest credit to the firm of shipbuilders which only commenced it on Dec. 10, 1894, and yet was able to launch it in a month's time. The official trial-trip on Jan. 17 proved very satisfactory. The company has three other gun-boats in hand which will soon be ready for transportation. The Précieuse carries two quick-firing guns, and travels at the rate of six knots an hour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.