ges of English history. It is most
gratifying to me to co-operate with you, gentlemen, in securing
for your town the benefits contemplated by the Royal founders of
this ancient school. In extending to Reading and its county the
advantages of a middle-class education, you are providing an
education which, if conducted on sound principles, must conduce
to the welfare and happiness of all who desire to profit by it;
and that this result is anticipated is satisfactorily indicated
by the amount of contributions already subscribed. For myself, I
sincerely trust that the good work of which we are now assembled
to lay the first stone may, under God's blessing, prosper and
accomplish its purpose. It will at least prove to a succeeding
generation that we, on our part, have striven with all our
hearts and all our means to ripen the good seed sown by our
fathers upwards of 300 years ago."

The ceremony of setting the stone then began, for the ceremony was to be
done with masonic honours, one side of the tent having been entirely
occupied by the Masons in costume. The Mayor, having received from the
Provincial Grand Master the handsome silver trowel prepared for the
occasion, now asked the Prince, in the name of the School Trustees, to
proceed with the ceremony. The Grand Chaplain offered a prayer, the
Architect presented his plans, the Grand Secretary read the inscription
on the stone, and the Grand Treasurer deposited gold, silver, and copper
coins of the present reign in the cavity prepared for them.

The Prince then proved and set the stone, saying:--

"May the Great Architect of the Universe enable us successfully
to carry on and finish the work of which we have now laid the
principal stone, and every other undertaking which may tend to
the advantage of the borough of Reading and this neighbourhood,
and may this school be long preserved from peril and decay,
diffusing its light and influence to generations yet unborn."

To this the Masons present answered with one accord, "So mote it be."
The Prince next spread corn on the stone, and from the ewers handed to
him poured out wine and oil, saying:--

"May the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply this country with
abundance of corn, wine, and oil, and all the necessaries and
comforts of life."

The Brethren again responded in the Masonic formula, "So mote it be."
Then the Treasurer to