0 years ago, and it has since sent to sea about 60,000 boys
trained for sailors' life. The new ship, a fine two decker (late
'Conqueror'), in substitution for the old 'Warspite' (which was burned),
and rechristened with that name, had 156 boys on board in January, 1877.
304 were afterwards admitted, 43 were sent to the Royal Navy, and 137 to
the Merchant Service, leaving 269 on board at the beginning of the year
1878. Most of these are orphans or boys deserted by their parents. Out
of 123 boys who returned in that year from first voyages, 117 had "very
good" on their certificates. The age for admission is from 13 to 16,
height from 4 feet 8 inches; 93 boys learned to swim last summer. The
expenditure during the year was 11,000 pounds, including 3000 pounds for
fitting up the new ship.

'WELLESLEY.'--(SOUTH SHIELDS.)

Established 1868.

This vessel is for homeless and destitute boys unconvicted of crime, but
who are sent under the Industrial Schools Act, at the instance of one of
the ten or more School Boards which have agreements with "The 'Wellesley'
Training Ship Institution," or who come individually. From the report in
June, 1877, it appears that in the twelve months preceding, 91 boys had
been received, and 59 were discharged, of whom 45 went to sea. This left
307 boys on board. Of the boys discharged during 3 years, 83 per cent.
were "doing well." Since the commencement of the Institution 702 boys
had been received. About 1000 pounds had been contributed by the School
Boards during the year, and 90 pounds for "voluntary boys," each of whom
is received for 20 pounds _per annum_. The maintenance account for the
year was about 5000 pounds.

'WORCESTER.'--(THAMES.)

This vessel was moored at Greenhithe in 1862; a larger vessel, a 72-gun
frigate of 5000 tons, and rechristened 'Worcester,' was substituted in
1877. The 'Worcester' provides properly qualified officers for merchant
vessels, and accommodates 200 boys. The terms are, for boys from 13 to
16 years old, 50 guineas, and for boys from 11 to 13 years old, 45
guineas per annum.

The Board of Trade allows two years passed on the 'Worcester' to count as
one year's sea service, and Her Majesty gives annually a gold medal to
the boy most noted for good conduct. About 30 boys passed through the
ship last year.

SUMMARY OF TRAINING SHIPS DESCRIBED.

_Ships_ _Boys_

Royal Naval