A Lesson in Seamanship 174 A Typical Fourth Term Group: "Passing-Out" Cadets, 1893 175 H.M.S. "Isis," Sea-Going Training Ship 179 The King's Visit, March 7, 1902 183 The "Britannia" Dressed for the King's Birthday 187 The Cricket Pavilion 195 A Class at the Gymnasium 199 Regatta Day: Twelve-Oared Cutter Winning a Race 203 Cricket, Football, and Rowing Trophies, and the Rushworth Seal 207 First Eleven, 1889: Opponents of W. G.'s Team 211 A "Britannia" Rugby Team 213 A "Britannia" Association Team 217 Boxing Class 219 The Beagle Whips 221 The Cricket Field 223 View from the New College 229 Captain C. H. Cross 232 Mr. J. H. Spanton 238 Mr. G. B. Mason 239 Officers' Quarters 240 Cadets' Dormitory 241 The Old Stable-yard, Osborne 246 The New College, Dartmouth 247 THE STORY OF THE "BRITANNIA." CHAPTER I. THE GOOD OLD TIMES. A Youthful Diplomat--Old Methods of Entry--Captain's Servants--King's Letter Boys--Lord Dundonald--A Warrior at Eight--Sir P. W. P. Wallis--Absurd Regulations--Education at a Discount--Midshipman Easy--Peter Simple--The "Pitchfork" System--The Royal Naval Academy--Letter to the Navy Board--Commendable Promptitude--The Scheme Approved--Delay in Building--Scheme of Instruction--Uniform Instituted--Scholars' Expenses--Rules and Orders--"They are cursed troublesome"--Commissioner's Report--Entry and Final Certificates-- Captain Broke's Work Book--A Comprehensive Course--A Successful Institution. A young aspirant to naval honours, seeking a nomination for entry under the regulations of 1903, was summoned not long since to appear before a committee at the Admiralty, to be tested by a sort of common-sense, _vivâ voce_ examination as to his probable fitness for the Royal Navy; and among other questions propounded to him, by way of ascertaining his general acquaintance with historical facts and personages, was the following: "Who do you think were the greatest naval lords?"--a question which might perhaps require some consideration even by a more mature individual. [Illustration: CADET OF 1849.]