16 JUNE 1906, Page 23

THE NAVAL POCKET-BOOK.

The Naval Pocket-Book. Edited by Geoffrey S. Laird Clowes, (Thacker and Co. 7s. 6d.) —Owing to the death of its former editor, Sir William Laird Clowes, The Naval Pocket-Book for 1906, now in its eleventh year of issue, is edited by Sir William's son, Mr. Geoffrey S. Laird Clowes, who has accomplished his task in a manner in every way worthy of his distinguished predecessor. The technical information supplied concerning the fleets of all nations is as correct and as complete in every particular as usual. As in former years, the plans of ships are given, and have been brought up to date by the inclusion of many new ships and the exclusion of some old ones. We think, however, that a deck plan. of the 'Dreadnought' could have been given with advantage, as well as a little more information about the three new armoured cruisers now building. Besides the details and plans of ships, The Naval Pocket-Book gives much useful in- formation as to the guns and small arms of all nations, and an extremely interesting article on torpedoes, in which we read that the United. States Government intends to adopt a new type of torpedo driven by a turbine and compressed air heated by an alcohol flame,—a torpedo which will have a range and speed far superior to those of any existing model. The list of dry docks of the world will be appreciated by those who use the sea, and we recommend the " trial trip tables " to all those, whether naval officers, constructors, yachtsmen, or motor-boatmen, if such a word may be applied without offence to members of the "Motor- Boat Squadron," who are interested in the speed of their respective craft. We suggest to the editor of The Naval Pocket-Book that he should include in next year's issue a pocket at the end of the book for the reception of any extra matter or plans which may come into the possession of the owner during the year. This pocket, if our memory serves us right, used to be included in the earlier issues.