nfident all who take an interest
in sculpture will agree with me is one of the finest pieces of
sculpture of modern times. The name of the artist is so well
known that it is superfluous for me to make any remarks upon it.
I only hope that at no very distant day he will have the
privilege of writing R.A. after his name. My lords and
gentlemen, I beg to thank you for the very kind way in which
this toast has been proposed and accepted by this distinguished
company."

The marked way in which the Prince called attention to the now
celebrated picture of "The Roll Call" was a generous tribute to rising
merit. The young artist thus signalised has more than fulfilled the
anticipations formed of her. The name of Elizabeth Thompson soon became
distinguished in Art, and she continues to excel in depicting military
scenes, now that her name, Lady Butler, is associated with that of a
most gallant and distinguished officer, Sir William Butler, K.C.B. The
praise bestowed on "The Roll Call" by the Duke of Cambridge was equally
hearty, and was a high compliment as coming from the head of the British
Army.

_May, 1875._

The President, Sir Francis Grant, in proposing "The Health of the
Queen," referred to Her Majesty's constant and cordial encouragement of
Art. "In carrying out our Winter Exhibition of the Ancient Masters, Her
Majesty has always given us her cordial support; and I hope I may be
allowed to remind you that last year, when we held an exhibition
exclusively of the works of the late Sir Edwin Landseer, the Queen was
so kind as to contribute no fewer than sixty works by that eminent
artist. For that and other gracious acts the Academy desire to record
their grateful acknowledgments."

On giving the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales and the other
members of the Royal Family," Sir Francis Grant said:--"I beg to assure
His Royal Highness that the members of the Royal Academy are very
sensible of the honour he confers on us by his presence on this as on
many former occasions. They especially value the compliment as an
additional proof of the interest His Royal Highness has at all times
manifested in the promotion and encouragement of Art. I am glad to say
the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of
Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family, honoured the Exhibition
with their presence on Thursday, and after their usual careful
examination of the wor