Quite as pleasant as the rides in the carriages were the excursions made in the boats of the fleet. On one occasion all the boats of the squadron, sixteen in number, made an excursion to the dock-yard. In the waters of Grassy Bay they gave an exhibition of the skill of the students in handling the cutters, which drew cheers of approbation from the naval officers and others who witnessed it. When the display was over, the boats’ crew visited the dock-yard, and one of the men-of-war in port. They were courteously shown all over the yard, and the operation of the floating-dock was explained to them. On the last day of the month the fleet left the harbor of Hamilton, and sought an anchorage in a retired bay, about three miles from the town. Here the squadron was entirely landlocked, and the water was as smooth as a millpond. The four academical craft were moored alongside each other, so that the professors could pass from one to the others without the use of the boats. Early in the morning the examination was begun. It was continued for three days; but it was understood that the result would give the officers and students their positions for three months, instead of one as before; for such a thorough examination was not possible more than once in a quarter. All the ambitious students had been at work very diligently for the last two months, preparing for this great event. Tom Speers and Capt. O’Hara had given very little time to frolic and sight-seeing during the time the fleet had been at the Bermudas; but had been studying night and day. The officers of the American Prince had not been so diligent; for most of them had held their positions so long that they felt almost sure of them in the future, whatever system of promotions might be adopted. On the morning of the fourth day, all hands were mustered under the awnings on the deck of the American Prince to learn the result of the examination. The principal took the rostrum which had been built for this occasion; and an anxious silence followed his appearance. He held in his hand the paper on which the fate of every officer and seaman was written down. “Young gentlemen,” Mr. Lowington began, “I am well aware that the changes proposed to-day will amount to a revolution. About the middle of the month, after the new crews of the several vessel have been trained to their duties under the different order of things, the squadron will sail for Brockway, the former headquarters of the fleet. When we have obtained a new register for the Ville d’Angers, she will be called the Frisbone.”