lay the first stone, will, I understand from the architect, Mr.
Robson, be capable of accommodating more than 3000 persons, and
will be so constructed as to serve the purpose of a winter
garden, affording a resort for social intercourse and
entertainment at a period of the year when the summer garden
will not be available. We humbly join in the prayer of the
Archbishop of Canterbury that God's blessing may rest upon this
great work, and that, in the years to come, benefits both
material and moral will result to the thousands who, we trust,
will not fail to avail themselves of the facilities which the
scheme will afford."

The stone was then laid with the usual ceremonies, the Prince's
declaration that it was "well and truly" laid being received with
general cheers. The proceedings were concluded with the benediction,
pronounced by the Archbishop.

* * * * *

Long before the time of the People's Palace, visits to the East of
London had not unfrequently been made by members of the Royal Family. On
the 24th of June, 1880, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by
their sons, Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, went to open a
Recreation Ground in Whitechapel, for the benefit of the people of that
parish, and of Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, and other adjacent
districts. The ground, above an acre in extent, had formerly been a
burial-ground of the Society of Friends, some of the members of which
had contributed towards its being laid out as a pleasure-garden. The
Rev. J. F. Kitto and the Rev. S. A. Barnett, whose names have long been
associated with good deeds in East London, hoped that the presence of
the Prince and Princess of Wales that day would give new impetus to the
movement for obtaining open spaces in crowded parts of the Metropolis.
The Prince expressed his gratification at being present, and said he was
desired by the Princess to say that she declared the Recreation Ground
now open.

SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT SANDRINGHAM.

_July 15th, 1886._

To be "President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England" is an
honour which the Prince of Wales gained not merely from his high
position, but from his genuine love and practical knowledge of
agriculture. Old King George III. was proud to be known as "Farmer
George," but his great-grandson, the "Norfolk farmer," knows vastly more
about the subject, and turns his kn