Competitions take place at the horizontal bar, parallel bars, and other gymnastics, properly so called, including the "human pyramid"; a display with dumb bells; poles, etc.; and contests with gloves and fencing swords, which, of course, are by far the most popular, both with cadets and spectators. The boys get a good grounding in the essential points of fencing and boxing, but to attain to any great degree of proficiency in either requires a good deal more time than can conveniently be devoted to it, and the boxing frequently has a strong spice of the "hammer and tongs" business about it. Still, there are some who shape very well; and, at any rate, a few systematic lessons will enable a lad to do something more than assume, like Mr. Pickwick, "a paralytic attitude," which his friends confidently believed to be intended for a posture of defence. Cricket continues to flourish, and a season in which _Britannia_ should fail to win a majority of matches would be regarded as a sort of hideous dream. The editor of the _Britannia Magazine_ would either pass it over in silence or dip his pen in gall and administer such a rating as would, in his editorial opinion, infallibly bring about a different result in the ensuing year; followed, no doubt, by a mild protest against cynicism! [Illustration: THE BEAGLE WHIPS. _Photo: W. M. Crockett, Plymouth._] These things do not happen, however, as the following figures will demonstrate:-- 1898. First eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 7; drawn, 6. Second eleven.--Won, 13; lost, 7: drawn, 1. Third eleven.--Won, 11; lost, 3. 1899. First eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 5; drawn, 4. Second eleven.--Won, 10; lost, 4; drawn, 1. 1902. First eleven.--Won, 7; lost, 3; drawn, 5. A very exciting match was played, in 1902, against Stratford-on-Avon Wanderers; Lord is the _Britannia_ professional, a left-hander, and an artful dodger in the matter of an unexpected "break back." WANDERERS. Arlington, b Lord 41 Deer, c Smith, b Swan 1 Holloway, b Glasgow 11 Fellows, b Glasgow 18 Holton, c Whetham, b Glasgow 15 Hastings, b Glasgow 0 Fish, b Glasgow 4 Jackson, b Lord 0 Ashley, l b w, b Glasgow 2 Whitehead, b Lord 10 Challaway, not out 1 Extras 3 --- Total 106 "BRITANNIA."