The visit must not be delayed too long, however; the last days of the _Britannia_ are approaching, and in a year or two the familiar twin hulls, with the connecting bridge, and the flotilla of steam and sailing boats clustered about them, will have disappeared. The last batch of cadets under the old regulations will be entered in November, 1905; and it is probable that, if space permit, they will be housed in the College now rising on the hill, while the ship may be kept on for a time as an overflow, or as a store for marine appliances, etc. The old gives place to the new; but for many years to come there will remain hundreds of officers who will look back with pleasure on their life at Dartmouth, and who will ungrudgingly acknowledge the many valuable lessons they learned in the "good old _Brit._" * * * * * A few concluding words are necessary in order to describe the new system which is to take the place of the _Britannia_. Years ago, when the Naval Academy was first instituted, the question of the necessity, or at least the advisability, of some previous training for boys, before sending them to sea, was mooted. In those days it was partial, a large number continuing to join their ships straight from school; then the scheme was dropped for twenty years, until Captain Harris came to the front, and previous training was made compulsory. There were many dissentient voices at that time, and for years subsequently there were not wanting those who maintained that more efficient officers would ultimately be obtained upon what we have alluded to as the "pitchfork" system. Time, with its abnormally rapid changes of the last century, has, however, solved the problem--as it eventually solves all questions--and he would be a bold man, and a somewhat foolish one withal, who would venture nowadays to advocate a policy of no previous training. The new regulations are of a revolutionary character, and--without going into the merits of the question with regard to the amalgamation, during probation, of the executive officers, Engineers, and Marine officers, which has raised some discussion--the principal points are as follow:-- The average age of entry is between 12 and 13. All candidates are admitted, as before, by the nomination of the Admiralty. All are liable, at the expiration of their training, to be placed on the strength as sub-lieutenants, Engineer sub-lieutenants, or subalterns of Marines, as may be required; but the wishes of each officer will be consulted as far as is compatible with the needs of the Service. In giving nominations, preference will be given, other things being equal, to those applicants whose parents or guardians declare for them that they are prepared to enter any of the three branches.