Greek and Latin, German and French, with the ordinary English branches pursued in high schools and academies, were taught on board, and the instructors were satisfied that the boys accomplished twice as much as was ordinarily done in similar institutions on shore, and without injury to the students.  Everything was done by rule, and nothing was left to the whims and caprices of teachers and scholars.  Just so much study was done every day, and no more.  There was no sitting up nights; there were no balls and parties, theatres and concerts, to interfere with the work; no late suppers of escalloped oysters and lobster salads to be eaten.  Boys who had bad habits were watched, and injurious tendencies corrected.

But the students enjoyed their life on shipboard.  As the vessel went from port to port, new scenes were opened to them.  Those who could be trusted were allowed to go on shore in their off-time; and as all their privileges depended upon their good conduct, they were very careful to do their duty, both as students and as seamen, cheerfully and faithfully.

The Young America dropped her anchor in Brockway Harbor on the 5th of March, on her return from her southern cruise.  The first term of the second year was to commence on the 1st of April, and it was understood that the ship would sail for Europe on the last day of March.  The vessel needed some repairs, and all the students were allowed a furlough of twenty days to visit their homes.

Several of the larger boys, including Carnes, had obtained places in the navy, and were not to return.  Two or three were to enter college in the summer, and a few were to go into mercantile houses; but these vacancies would be more than filled by the applicants who had been waiting months for an opportunity to join the ship.

After the departure of the students, the Young America was docked, and the necessary repairs made upon her.  She was thoroughly cleansed and painted, and came out as good as new.  Before the return of the boys, her provisions, water, and stores, were taken on board, and all the preparations made for a foreign voyage.  On the 25th of the month she was anchored again at her old moorings, and in the course of the next two days all the instructors and pupils were in their places.  There were eleven new boys.

“Young gentlemen,” said Mr. Lowington, as he mounted his usual rostrum, “I am happy to see you again, and to welcome you on board.  Our experience during the coming season will be much more interesting and exciting than that of the last year.  We shall proceed immediately to Europe, and all who are worthy of the privilege will have an opportunity to visit the principal cities of Europe—­London, Paris, Naples, St. Petersburg.  We shall go up the Baltic and up the Mediterranean, in this or a subsequent cruise, and I can safely promise you, not only an interesting, but a profitable trip.  In a circular I have informed your parents and guardians of my purposes, and you are shipped this time for a foreign voyage, with their consent and approval.”