her educational institutions by colleges of a like
nature. Most of our great manufacturing towns have either
started or have already erected their colleges of science and
art. In only a few instances, however, have they become
developed into schools for systematic technical instruction.
This building, which is to be erected by the City and Guilds of
London, will be of considerable benefit to the whole kingdom,
not only as an example of the institute devoting itself to
technical training, but as a focus likewise for uniting the
different technical schools in the Metropolis already in
existence, and a central establishment also to which promising
students from the provinces may, by the aid of scholarships, he
brought to benefit by the superior instruction which London can
command. While studying at your institution, they will have the
further advantages that the treasures of the South Kensington
Museum and the numerous collections in the City may bring to
bear on the artistic and scientific education of future
manufacturers.

"Let me remind you that the realization of this idea was one of
the most cherished objects which my lamented father had in view.
After the Exhibition of 1851, he recognized the need of
technical education in the future, and he foresaw how difficult
it would be in London to find space for such museums and
colleges as those which now surround the spot on which we stand.
It is, therefore, to me a peculiar pleasure that the
Commissioners of the Exhibition, of which I am the President,
have been able to contribute to your present important
undertaking, by giving to you the ground upon which the present
college is to be erected, with a sufficient reserve of land to
insure its future development.

"Allow me, in conclusion, to express the great satisfaction
which I experience in seeing the ancient guilds of the City of
London so warmly co-operating in the advancement of technical
instruction. I am aware that several of them have for some time
past in various ways separately encouraged the study of science
and art in the Metropolis, as well as in the provinces; and it
is a noble effort on their part when they join together to
establish a united institute with the view of making still
greater and more systematic endeavours for the promotion of this
bra