In the first circular issued, a competitive examination of a stiff character was provided for; by a subsequent amendment, however, this has been replaced by a qualifying examination, not of a very formidable nature. So it is to be hoped that the anomaly of bestowing a number of nominations, two-thirds of which cannot possibly come to anything, is to be finally relegated to the past. Examinations will be held three times each year, preceded by a medical examination, the subjects being as follow:-- PART I. 1. English (including writing from dictation, simple composition, and reproduction of the gist of a short passage twice read aloud to the candidates). 2. History and geography: (_a_) History (simple questions in English history and growth of the British Empire). (_b_) Geography (simple questions with special reference to the British Empire). 3. French or German (importance will be attached to the oral examination). 4. Arithmetic and algebra: (_a_) Arithmetic (elementary, including vulgar and decimal fractions). (_b_) Algebra (to simple equations with easy problems). 5. Geometry (to include the subject matter of the first book of Euclid, or its equivalent in experimental geometry and mensuration). The use of instruments and of algebraical methods will be allowed. PART II. (_One only to be taken._) 6. Latin (easy passages for translation from Latin into English, and from English into Latin, and simple grammatical questions). 7. A second modern language (of which, if not French or German, notice must be previously given), or an advanced examination in the language selected under Part I. 8. Experimental science (easy questions with the object of testing practical knowledge and powers of observation). On passing this examination candidates will be sent to the training establishments for four years. Instruction will comprise an extension of the present _Britannia_ course, and a thorough elementary instruction in physics, marine engineering, etc., including the use of tools and machines. Instruction will also be carried out in small vessels attached to the establishment. Examinations will be held during the second and fourth year of training. Cadets who fail to pass will be withdrawn. Parents or guardians are required to sign a declaration on the admission of a cadet to the training establishment to the effect that he shall be immediately withdrawn on the receipt of an official intimation of his being considered unfit for the Navy. After leaving the training establishment cadets will go to sea, and will then be instructed in seamanship, navigation, pilotage, gunnery, mechanics, and engineering by the specialised officers of the ship. After three years, each midshipman who has passed the qualifying examinations will become an acting sub-lieutenant.