In an earlier Chapter we referred to the extent of the service conducted by these vessels, and also to the Company's continuous progressive spirit, which, for instance, induced them, on the suggestion of the Scotts, to adopt twin-screws. The launch of one of these ships is illustrated on Plate XXXI., facing this page, while the next Plate, XXXII., illustrates the _Fengtien_, which was built in 1905 in an exceptionally short period of time. The contract was made in the closing week of 1904, the first keel-plate was laid on the 15th January, 1905, the vessel was launched on the 20th April, and arrived in Shanghai on the 14th July--less than twenty-six weeks from the date when the building was commenced. This performance indicates not only the satisfactory character of the organisation, but also of the equipment of the shipyard and marine engineering works. The _Fengtien_ has a length between perpendiculars of 267 ft., a beam of 40 ft., and a depth, moulded, of 18 ft., with a deck-house having accommodation for thirty-three European first-class passengers; while on the top of this house there is, as shown in the engraving, a promenade for passengers. The accommodation provided for first-class passengers is exceptionally satisfactory, both in respect of state-rooms and of public saloons. Fifty-six first-class Chinese passengers are also carried, as well as seventy steerage native passengers. In addition to this considerable source of revenue, the ship carries 1720 tons of deadweight cargo on a draught of 14 ft. The _Fengtien_ on her trial, when developing 2146 horse-power, attained a speed of 13-1/4 knots, which was considered highly satisfactory, in view of the unusual dimensions. The engines are of the triple-expansion, three-cylinder type, fitted with every accessory which experience has shown to ensure regularity of working, with the minimum of expense in respect of upkeep and working cost. Steam at 190-lb. pressure is supplied by two boilers, 15 ft. in diameter and 11 ft. 6 in. long, having 5184 square feet of heating surface, and 121 square feet of grate area. [Illustration: Plate XXXI. THE LAUNCH OF A CHINA STEAMER.] [Illustration: Plate XXXII. THE CHINA NAVIGATION COMPANY'S T.-SS. "FENGTIEN."]