S.S. China, Cunard Line

The China was an iron built ship, and at the time of launch considered very strongly framed, amply secured by strong watertight bulkheads. She was propelled by two engines on the oscillating principle, with an aggregate of 560-horse power. The sleeping berths for passengers were on the main deck, below the saloons. The Board of Trade measurements for passengers gave space for 268 first-class and 771 second class (or forward) passengers. However, she was competent to carry 1500 troops without dismantling her saloons or taking down her after cabins. Suspension rods ran all along her beams, to which hammocks could be slung. In 1879 she was thus used as a Zulu War transport.