ar the larger number show some capability of improvement,
and not a few have learned some trade or industry, sufficient for their
own support. There are now nearly 600 inmates, from all parts of the
kingdom. At each half yearly election, there are about 150 applicants of
whom the Board usually can elect 30 to 35. The receipts of last year
were nearly L25,000, and the charity has L20,000 invested funds.

The first stone of the Asylum was laid by the Prince Consort in 1853,
and the building was opened by him in 1855. To lay the first stone of
additional buildings, on part of the 80 acres belonging to the Asylum,
the presence of the Prince of Wales was asked, and was very cordially
given. Accompanied by the Princess of Wales, he went to Earlswood for
this purpose on the 28th of June, 1869. The Mayor and the magistrates of
Reigate came to the Earlswood railway station with an address of
welcome, to which the Prince made reply.

Sir Charles Reed, son of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Reed, founder of the
Institution (as he was of other important charities), conducted the
Royal visitors to the gate of the Asylum, to which they had driven from
the station. From the Board Room a procession was formed, to the place
of laying the stone. Here another address was read, in reply to which
the Prince said:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you for the kind expressions
contained in your address. I cannot but rejoice that my presence
should be considered an encouragement, and conducive to the
prosperity of an institution that lays claim to our warmest
support. Apart from all other considerations, the fact of my
lamented father having taken so active a part in the early
formation of the society would, in itself, be sufficient to
enlist my sympathy and interest in its welfare. The necessity
for affording more extended accommodation, in consequence of the
increased number of applicants, is the best proof of the success
which has followed your first efforts. We must all appreciate
the comprehensive principle which regulates, without regard to
social or religious distinction, the admission of all classes of
our fellow-creatures suffering under an affliction which reduces
them to one common level. Finally, I have to assure you,
gentlemen, how sincerely I feel your expressions of devotion and
attachment towards the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the
Royal family. I am persua