his
colleagues on the very great success of this Exhibition. I had
the opportunity two or three days ago of going through these
rooms, and, though I do not profess to be in any way an art
critic, I am quite sure they have no reason to fear any
criticism upon the works of art which adorn these walls.

"I have been charged by my brothers, who generally take part in
this day's proceedings, to express their great regret that they
have not been able to be present. My brother, the Duke of
Edinburgh, has been for the last five or six weeks absent on
duty in Ireland, where he is employed on an important and, I
trust, useful mission, not only as Admiral Superintendent of the
Naval Reserve, but in doing what he can to relieve the distress
which exists in Ireland. He has lately had the opportunity of
taking the supplies for distribution on the West Coast from that
gallant ship the _Constitution_, sent over by our American
cousins, so nobly and generously, to afford relief to their
distressed brethren in Ireland. In a letter I received from him
two days ago he says the distress still exists, and both food
and clothing are much wanted; in many instances the corn is not
yet sown. I will not touch more upon this topic, and I should
not have mentioned it had I not been particularly requested to
do so."

_1881._

At the banquet of 1881, the most notable incident was the special toast
in honour of Sir Frederick Roberts. The President, Sir Frederick
Leighton, said that "it was unusual at that table to single out a guest,
however distinguished, when the profession to which he belongs has
already been made the subject of a toast. But the brilliant achievements
of Sir Frederick Roberts, especially the now famous march from Cabul to
Candahar, had stirred all hearts." Sir Frederick, while grateful for the
hearty welcome, spoke of the services of Sir Donald Stewart, and said
that officers and men were all animated by one spirit--to do their duty,
and to uphold the honour of their Queen and country.

Other events, that had occurred since their last assembly, were touched
upon by the Prince of Wales, in responding to the toast with which his
name is usually associated at these banquets. He said:--

"It is always a great gratification to myself and any other
members of our family who may be present to come to this annual
gathering of the R