r was done with the utmost pleasure and
satisfaction. Such an enterprise must meet the approval not only
of every Englishman, but of every philanthropist. There are
great difficulties connected with it. These difficulties must be
great to any one, and they must still be more trying to a
European; but I know Sir Samuel Baker to be a man of energy and
perseverance, and whatever the difficulties he may have to
encounter he is certain, if it lies in his power, to attain the
end of his mission."

We may here say that when Sir Samuel Baker gave a detailed account of
his experiences, in the Hall of the London University, the Prince moved
the vote of thanks, in a speech equally eulogistic.

The Prince again rose after the toast of "The Army and Navy, and
Auxiliary Forces," had been given. He apologised for responding for the
Army, in presence of so many distinguished officers: but he spoke by
command of the President, and a soldier's first duty is obedience.

Admiral Sir George Back, the veteran Arctic explorer, and a leading
officer in the Society, returned thanks for "The Navy."

The President next proposed the health of Professor Nordenskiold, of
Stockholm, and of Mrs. Mary Somerville. The former received "the
Founder's" Medal, for his Arctic discoveries; and to Mrs. Somerville,
then in her eighty-ninth year, had been awarded the Patron or Victoria
Medal, for her scientific and astronomical researches, and her works on
physical geography.

Sir Roderick then proposed the health of Professor Owen, and the Duke of
Sutherland, and Dr. Russell, who had been companions of the Prince in
his Egyptian journey. Dr. Russell had, through the _Times_, been the
reporter and historian of the expedition. The speech of Professor Owen
was in happiest vein. Indeed, the whole of the speeches of the meeting,
including those of Sir Francis Grant, the Duke of Sutherland, Dr.
Russell, and Sir Henry Rawlinson, who proposed the health of the
President, made this a memorable anniversary of the Society.

EARLSWOOD ASYLUM.

_June 28th, 1869._

All travellers on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, have
admired the palatial and splendidly situated building near Red Hill,
Surrey, known as the Earlswood Asylum. It is an institution for the care
and education of the idiot and imbecile. Everything that can be done by
kindness and skill to ameliorate the lot of these classes, is here in
exercise. By f