The day is filled with duties. From the return of the Battalion from breakfast until 8:00 A.M., is a study period. From 8:00 A.M. until 12:35 P.M., the different classes attend recitations in the prescribed courses, or perhaps have instruction in gymnastic exercises or in riding. Dinner comes at 12:40 P.M., after which recitations are held until 3:50 P.M. In the fall and spring drills commence at 4:00 P.M., followed by parade at 5:30 P.M., and retreat and supper at 6:30 P.M. Cadets do not proceed individually to their classrooms, but are formed in the area of barracks in sections, under the command of a section marcher, who, after reporting to the officer of the day any absentees, marches his men to their section rooms. In like manner there is a meal formation. The Battalions are formed in front of barracks and marched by the two senior captains to the Mess Hall. Just as much observance to step, alignment, and bearing is required as though marching to parade. Upon entering the hall, “at ease” is commanded, whereupon the cadets proceed quietly to their places at table and remain standing back of their chairs until the cadet captain commands: “A Co., take seats.” The food is always ready so there is no delay. Thirty minutes are allowed for breakfast and supper, and forty for dinner. As soon as seated, cadets begin to talk and laugh. The only restriction upon them is that they must conduct themselves at mess like young gentlemen. No throwing of food or waste is tolerated. One first-classman, known as the table commandant, is in charge of each table and is held responsible for all breaches of regulations upon the part of the cadets thereat. Civilian waiters bring the food from the kitchen and place it upon the table. The cadets are then required to help themselves. Custom makes the three or four plebes at each table perform the most onerous duties. One plebe, known as the “water corporal” pours the water and milk. Another, the “meat corporal,” carves the “bone,” and another, the “gunner,” pours the coffee, and exercises a general supervision over the supply. Their duties keep them very busy, for the upper-classmen constantly demand food. [Illustration: Marching to Barracks from Dinner The Academic Buildings] The life at the Mess Hall is replete with customs, and the vocabulary of the cadets filled with terms unintelligible to the uninitiated. Some of their customs would not be approved in polite society but would be, perhaps, by modern efficiency. If, for example, a man at the end of the table wishes more water or milk, bang! goes his glass on the table preliminary to its flight through the air to the outstretched nervous hands of the “water corporal.” The plebe eats in spasms, so to speak, one eye on his food, and the other on the alert for aërial glasses. “How’s the cow?” yells an upper-classman, meaning how much milk is in the pitcher. “Almost dry, sir!” replies the plebe.