up with sympathy
than that which the Prince that evening undertook could not be
conceived. He tells the whole agricultural class of this country that he
places himself at their disposal to further their interests and to help
them in their distress. So long as the Royal Family cling to the soil of
this country, and mix with its life and its sports and amusements, they
will never fail to receive the support of their countrymen in all times
of trial."

The toast was received with cheers, and the Prince of Wales said:--

"It is difficult for me, gentlemen, to find words to express my
gratitude for the excessively kind manner in which my noble
friend has proposed this toast, and the cordial way in which you
have been kind enough to receive it. I need hardly tell you that
it affords me the greatest pleasure and satisfaction to occupy
the chair this evening. When I know those gentlemen who have
preceded me as your Chairmen, such as Mr. Disraeli, Lord Lytton,
the present Lord Derby, or the Duke of Richmond, I feel some
diffidence in addressing you this evening. At the same time I
think the proceedings of this evening will, as I hope, be short,
yet I trust they may be satisfactory to all here present.

"I sincerely say that I do take a great interest in all that is
connected with agriculture. I may call myself a colleague of
many of you present as a farmer on a small scale, and I only
hope that I may never have occasion to be a pensioner of this
institution. It is impossible, I think, for any British
gentleman to live at his country place without taking an
interest in agriculture, and in all those things which concern
the farmers of this great country. I thank you also for the very
kind way in which you have mentioned the health of the Princess
of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family.

"Before I sit down I beg to propose a toast--one which is never
left out at great gatherings of Englishmen, and which here ought
to be brought most prominently before your notice--'The Army,
Navy, Militia, and Reserve Forces.' The very backbone of the
country, the best recruits of the Army and Navy, come from the
agricultural districts. Since we know, also, that our commercial
and agricultural interests depend upon the valour and efficiency
of our land and sea forces, you will, I think, agree with me
that it is a toast es