in our Museum, which though national is
open to all the world, and the resources of which are at the
disposal of every student of Nature, whatever his condition or
his country, who enters our doors."

THE BIRKBECK INSTITUTION.

_July 4th, 1885._

This institution was founded in 1825, by Dr. Birkbeck, a zealous
educationist of that time, for promoting learning, chiefly among the
middle and working classes, by opening evening classes, and establishing
lectures and other means of instruction. The old building having become
insufficient in its accommodation, a new edifice was erected near
Chancery Lane, of which the foundation stone was laid, in 1883, by the
late Duke of Albany. To open this new building the Prince and Princess
of Wales came, on the 4th of July, 1885.

A loyal address having been presented by Mr. Birkbeck, M.P., one of the
trustees, the Prince thus replied:--

"I thank you for the loyal address which you have presented to
me, and would express the heartfelt satisfaction which I
experience in visiting an institution with which my lamented
brother's name will ever be associated. You have referred to his
touching words when laying the foundation stone of this
building, and I am reminded that on that memorable occasion he
stated that he had lent his aid to an enterprise on the
accomplishment of which he would be able to look back with
feelings of satisfaction and pride! It was not permitted to him
to see this noble structure in its finished state, but I rejoice
to know that prior to the great calamity which befell us he had
received an intimation that the building was approaching
completion.

"I observe with pleasure the names of the distinguished
contributors to the building fund, and I rejoice that the Queen
has shown her interest in an institution which met with the warm
support of my revered father. Sixty years ago the Duke of Sussex
performed the inaugural ceremony of your old building; and it
speaks much for the vitality of your institution that after so
lengthened a period a member of my family should be again
invited to declare a building open so extensive as this one, the
erection of which has been absolutely demanded by the expansion
of your work. An institution in which provision is made for 6000
students, and to which both sexes are invited, must exert a very
beneficial in