in the top left-hand corner of the picture
on p. 145--is close by. Here they must go through a series of exercises,
and they are obliged to attend till they can do them. "Compulsory Gyms,"
is not a favourite, so they like to get through and be free.

Here are the "blue boats,"--boats which they may have by themselves,
gigs for four to pull, skiffs for two or one. They may row about
wherever they like, and when the new boys first come, they are very fond
of going out in boats as often as they can. They have to take turns with
one another in using them. There are six little sailing-cutters too,
which the elder cadets may take and sail by themselves. Then, besides,
there is a fine yacht, a schooner, which they may sail on a holiday,
when ten or twelve wish to go.

These young fellows have every sort of game. We turn away from the
water, and follow some who are mounting a steep path. Here is the
racquet-court--four are playing racquets and four playing fives.

And climbing still higher up the hill, we get to the cricket-field, a
glorious sweep of grass with nets for cricket and lawn tennis, as much
as heart could wish.

In the summer, there is a match at cricket between the _Britannia_
eleven and some neighbours every half-holiday, and the _Britannias_
usually win, though they play the best elevens round. Their officers
play with them.

There is a flow of boys with paper bags from a suspicious-looking little
house in the corner of the field. Ah! I thought as much. No schoolboy
can do without his sweetstuff, and here it is. "Stodge" they call it, a
horrible name, but very true. I am sure much more sensible are those who
walk off to the neighbouring village of Stoke Fleming, where they can
get a nice tea from Mrs. Fox from sixpence to a shilling.

We well remember how shocked Mrs. Fox was to come in and find the elder
son of the Prince of Wales chopping sticks in her kitchen; for these two
young princes six years ago spent a cadet's life of two years, and lived
with the others, and worked and played exactly like the rest.

The _Britannia_ life, you will see, is a very free and happy life. "Work
while you work and play while you play" is the motto, and there is
plenty of work and plenty of play for all who will have it.

In the afternoon of a half-holiday, when there is a grand cricket-match,
and the band plays, and many ladies come to grace the field, there is
not a brighter sight in all the country side, for the fiel