On a fine half-holiday those who did not wish to go on shore would often spend the time aloft with a book; many an hour has the present writer spent at the main-yardarm, where the studding-sail boom afforded a seat of more or less comfort and security, with a book; one arm clasping the lift, legs hanging down below the yard. It probably never occurs to youth that to doze off in such a position would certainly be fatal! The year 1862 was an eventful one for the _Britannia_, two most important figures disappearing from her history. It became known in September that Captain Harris was to leave shortly, and the news came as a sort of shock, he was so completely identified with the institution. The report turned out to be true, and on October 1st he was succeeded by Captain Richard Ashmore Powell. This officer had, in a letter to Captain Harris, dated May 27th of the same year, written as follows: "I am much pleased with the lads from the _Britannia_; they are well behaved, and are well grounded in the fundamental parts of their profession." He had now to try his hand at turning out similar youngsters, and, though he found the way paved for him by the results of his predecessor's forethought and experience, he probably felt that he had his work cut out. Shortly afterwards Lieutenant Nares was promoted to commander, and, though he retained his post as senior executive for a time, he was superseded in December by Commander William H. Edye,[4] a very smart and energetic officer, who was held in great respect by the cadets. [4] Now Admiral W. H. Edye. Nares' departure was doubtless a great loss to the ship; he identified himself very heartily with the cadets in their games, etc., and displayed remarkable activity in playing "Sling the Monkey" and "High Cockolorum" with them. A very pleasant reminiscence in connection with him is an excursion which he "personally conducted" at Easter, 1862, taking about fifty cadets, whose homes were too far distant for them to avail themselves of the brief holidays, for a three or four days' trip to Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar, etc. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and made a good show at the service in Wells Cathedral on Easter Sunday, where the preacher "gie'd 'em a sight o' gude advice." On one occasion a number of the cadets were on the west side of Chesil Bank, watching the rollers coming in after a heavy gale: a very fine sight. The beach--entirely composed of large loose pebbles--runs down steeply, so that the sea breaks in one great "comber," coming in like a wall, and dragging back the pebbles in the "undertow" with a tremendous clatter. Some of the lads thought it good fun to run down after the receding wave, as far as they dared, right under the next advancing one; a most dangerous amusement.