committee of the recent
Inventions Exhibition. I have now the great pleasure of
proposing the toast of 'Prosperity to the Institution of Civil
Engineers,' coupled with the name of your President Sir
Frederick Bramwell."

Sir Frederick Bramwell made an amusing speech, in which he highly
magnified the office of the Civil Engineer as contrasted with every
other profession. The Duke of Cambridge spoke well, as usual, for the
Army, and Lord Charles Beresford gave a supplementary speech, in
response to loud calls, after Admiral Le Hunte Ward had responded for
the Navy. The improvements in both military and naval armaments due to
civil engineers were duly recognized by all the speakers.

AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE.

_April 29th, 1886._

Sir Henry Holland (now Lord Knutsford), as Secretary of State for the
Colonies, entertained the representatives at the Colonial Conference,
and various gentlemen connected with the Crown Colonies, at a dinner at
the Colonial Office, on the 29th of April, 1886. The Prince of Wales,
the Duke of Abercorn, the Marquis of Lorne, the Earl of Carnarvon, and
the Earl of Rosebery were among those present. The loyal toasts being
given, Sir Henry Holland said that to the hard work and warm sympathy of
the Prince of Wales the success of the Colonial Exhibition was largely
due. The Prince, in acknowledging the toast, said:--

"Sir Henry Holland, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--When Sir Henry
Holland was kind enough to invite me here this evening to meet
the colonial delegates I was under the impression that it was a
private dinner, in so far that I should not be called upon to
make a speech. In this respect he has sprung a mine upon me.
But, notwithstanding, I beg to thank him for the very kind way
in which he has proposed this toast, and to thank you for the
cordial manner in which you have received it. I can only assure
him and you of the very great pleasure it gives me to meet you
here this evening.

"In this large gathering there are many gentlemen connected with
the colonies whom I have had the pleasure of knowing personally,
and it affords me especial pleasure to make the acquaintance of
others who have come over in connection with this occasion. I am
aware that the proceedings of the conferences which have taken
place have been kept secret from the public in a most marvellous
way, which is not an easy matter in