The camp is governed by the same regulations that accompany an army in the field, except in the preparation of meals, which are supplied at the Cadets' Mess throughout the year. The presence of visitors contributes much to enliven this period of hardship in Cadet life, and the tri-weekly dancing parties on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, notwithstanding their abrupt termination at 10 P.M., affords never to be forgotten reminiscences in after life, of social enjoyment and enlightened intercourse with the fair daughters of America, not a few of whom date back their after career to the bewitching influence which marks this season. The Encampment usually terminates on the 29th of August, when the Cadets return to Barrack-life, and recommence their studies. An illumination of the camp usually takes place on the evening before it is broken up, and the convolutions of a "stag dance" are performed on the Parade-ground, with a fervor and vivacity worthy of imitation in a Camanche war-dance. This curious cross in the terpsichorean art, between the pigeon wing, double shuffle, hoe-down, and the quadrille, is a frequent diversion in the Cadet camp. It is performed by twenty or more Cadets, who gyrate between two rows of candles stuck in the ground, cadencing their movements by the very uncertain sounds of a plebeian fiddle and the low muffled rattle of a drum, accompanied by whimsicalities and contortions unknown save at West Point. The scene presented during the striking of the tents is quite lively and picturesque. In the early hours of the day all the property of the Cadets, such as blankets, clothing, etc., is carried by them to the rooms they are assigned to in the barracks, leaving in camp only their rifles and their accoutrements. At the appointed hour the "general" beats, "Don't you hear the General say, Strike your tents and march away?" when all spring to their posts, awaiting three taps on the bass drum. At the first tap, all except the corner tent cords are cast loose and the pins are withdrawn; at the second, the corner cords and pins are cast loose, and the tent is gathered around the tent-poles and steadied in an upright position, so that at the third tap all the tents instantly go down in concert, and woe to the "gross" one who fails to complete the prostration at the moment. While the tents are folded and piled by one party, a group enliven the scene by songs descriptive of their eagerness "To join the army of the brave," etc. Then the companies are formed, and taking their stacked arms march to the front on the Parade; the Commandant then, with Band and colors unfurled, marches the battalion to the general Parade, in front of the Superintendent's quarters, and the Encampment is no more.