A correspondent of the Times gives a most interesting account
of the hydroplane Ricochet II.,' designed and con- structed by the MM. Le Las of Paris. The little vessel, which is described as resembling a short fresh-water punt some thirteen feet in length, decked fore and aft, has a flat, but not horizontal, under-surface, sloped up gently forward so as to skim over the water, and is driven by a twelve-horse-power motor on the principle of the ricochet shot or "ducks and drakes," reaching a speed of forty kilometres to the hour. The hydroplane, which appears to proceed by "sheer leaps" -though this is probably an optical delusion—can be stopped dead when at high speed in a dozen yards, but presents some difficulties in turning. The motion is described as "delightful as well as novel" by those who have been on board. Whether the new invention can be turned to practical use remains to be seen; but its extreme lightness commends it to explorers, and one has been in use for mail purposes on the Niger for some time.
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