The subject of the navies of the world is a most important one. Schemes of classification vary, and it is difficult to obtain any figures which agree. The three English authorities are "The Naval Annual," by T. A. Brassey; "The Naval Pocket Book." by Sir W. Laird Clowes, and F. T. Jane's "All the World's Fighting Ships" (Munn & Co., publishers). The latter is filled with illustrations, diagrams, etc., and has an excellent thumb index, facilitating easy reference. Our comparison of naval strength is based on these three books. In addition, we give the tables of the Hydrographic Office, and for those who care to pursue the matter further, we give an abstract of the section of Hazell's Annual dealing with the subject. With this explanation it is hoped that the dissimilar figures will not be as confusing as they otherwise would be.