The frigates Minnesota and Constitution, and the sloops Portsmouth and Saratoga were commissioned as "school" and "training" ships. The qualifications for admission as apprentices, at present, are almost identical with those in the circular of 1875, except an increase in the age limit, which is now from fourteen to eighteen. Each boy must satisfy the examining board of officers that he is of robust frame, intelligent, of perfectly sound and healthy constitution, and that he is able to read and write. In special cases, where the boy shows general intelligence and is otherwise qualified, he may be enlisted when his reading and writing are imperfect. Upon presenting himself for enlistment, he must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. When these reside at a distance, however, printed forms will be sent them by which the enlistment can be perfected. Boys of bad character will not be received, and no allowance is made for travelling expenses.

If the boy is found to be qualified in every way, he signs an agreement to serve continuously until he is twenty
one years of age. continuously He then receives an outfit of clothing, which must not exceed $45 in value. If afterward discharged at his own request this amount must be refunded. His pay is $9 per month, and one ration. If deserving, he may be promoted to $10 and $11 per month, while serving on the training ships. After the first six months on a cruising vessel, his pay can be advanced to $19, and after one year to $24, if a board of officers is satisfied as to his physical and professional qualifications. When he has $30 on the books he can allot a portion of his pay to his family. If recommended for ad honorable discharge, when he becomes of age, he will receive a continuous service certificate, which, upon re-enlistment within three months, entitles him to pay during that time, and an addition of one dollar per month to that of his rating. After his re-entry into the service he will be eligible for the position of a petty officer, with increased pay, at the discretion of his commanding officer. Those injured in the service, or having contracted disease in the line of duty, will be given a pension. Boys are enlisted on the receiving ships at the navy yards on the Atlantic coast, on the Michigan at Erie, Pa., and the Minnesota, at New York. They must be sent to the training station as soon after enlistment as practicable.

This training station is at Coaster's Harbor Island, near Newport, R. I. On December 20, 1880, the people of Newport ceded " Woonachasset," or Coaster's Harbor Island, to the State, and on March 2, 1881, Rhode Island ceded title and jurisdiction to the United States, for the purpose of a training station. On August 7, 1882, Congress accepted " the cession by the State of Rhode Island to the United States of said island for use as a Naval Training Station."

Coaster's Harbor Island contains ninety acres of land, and is less than two miles from the city. Its surface is rolling and of pleasing aspect, and the whole marine activity of the bay is visible from it. A causeway connects it with Rhode Island, so that free access to the city of Newport can be had, even when ice and fog interrupt the trips of the ferry-boats. The island is in every way an admirable location for a training station, except for the long and severe winters, which interfere seriously with the open-air drills and exercises.

The old double-deck frigate New Hampshire was brought to Newport in August, 1881, and was eventually moored to a large quay extending out from Coaster's Harbor Island. She was housed in, heated with steam, and lighted by electricity. A large reservoir on the highest part of the island, kept filled by pumps from deep drive-wells, furnished an abundant supply of pure water to the ship, for cooking, washing, and bathing purposes. The New Hampshire comfortably accommodated five hundred apprentices. They slept in hammocks, assisted in keeping the ship clean, and in various ways were gradually accustomed to a nautical life. The daily routine began at 5:30, when "reveille" was sounded and all hammocks were lashed and stowed. After an early breakfast of hot cocoa and bread, they washed their clothes, scrubbed decks, and bathed. Three " square " meals were given them,