ning ships, and inspection of the
'Endeavour,' and of the Greenwich School, where 1000 boys are trained for
sea without the expense and inconveniences of a ship, I fully concur in
the opinions of Captain Brookes and Capt. Burney, C.B., and I consider
that the best mode of training boys for the commercial navy is to have a
light and roomy building on shore with one or more "tender" brigs for
cruising, and plenty of boats, and a good gymnasium and swimming bath. A
floating hulk is more costly to maintain. It is inconvenient for
education from want of light below, and for exercise all the winter from
wet decks above, and moreover, the need of a "tender" for each hulk is
already acknowledged, so that her sheet anchor is only sentiment.]

J. MACGREGOR.

'ENDEAVOUR.'--(LAND SHIP.)

About thirty-five years ago, this land-ship, with masts and sails and
guns, was set up at the Norwood Poor Law Establishment, by the exertions
of the late Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, Bart., and one somewhat similar and
useful (to a certain extent) was established in a Union School at
Stepney. Of the boys instructed by this means, 95 out of 100 voluntarily
entered the Army or Navy, but doubtless the supply for sea life is now
better obtained from establishments more distinctly nautical. In the
report of the North Surrey District Schools "the mast and shrouds" of the
Land Ship there are said to be useful in inducing boys to go to sea.
(_Times_, September 3, 1878.)

'EXMOUTH.'--(GRAYS, _Thames_.)

This vessel accommodates 600 boys, and was substituted for 'The Goliath,'
which was burned two years ago (as was also the old 'Warspite' at
Charlton). The latest report (which is more full and clear than that of
several other ships) deals with the ten months ending the 31st of
December, 1877, when 545 boys were under training. These were sent from
the Poor Law Unions of Poplar, St. Pancras, Stepney, Marylebone,
Woolwich, and others, under the special Act, which very properly requires
Metropolitan Parishes to contribute towards the maintenance of the ship,
whether they use it or not. A brigantine, the 'Steadfast,' is attached
as a "training tender," and accommodates thirty boys, who cruise in the
Mouth of the Thames for a week at a time, when ten of them are changed.
A causeway from the shore improves the approach to the 'Exmouth,' and a
small house and office near the London Docks enables eight boys to be
taken daily for engagement in ships.