Partially Protected Cruiser

A modern man-o'-war built with not less than a 2-inch steel deck, forming an arch and curving from a point a short distance below the water-line on either side, the highest point of the curve being over the midship line, or keel, of the vessel, and in contact with the first deck above the water-line. The idea is that a projectile striking and penetrating the vessel in the vicinity of the water-line will naturally be deflected by the curve of the steel deck, and thus be prevented from doing injury to any vital part in the ship's interior.