ly
anticipate that the fame which attaches to our old wooden walls
will be transferred to our iron fleet whenever it is called upon
to meet an enemy. The Militia, too, ought never to be omitted
from this toast, for I look upon it as our great army of
reserve, and desire to see it honoured; while as to the
Volunteers, I would remark that I think we may congratulate
ourselves on the circumstance that the movement, which has now
existed for eleven or twelve years, shows no sign that it is
slackening. I have the more confidence in asking you to respond
to this portion of the toast, because I see around me many
members of the Artists' Corps, which has always maintained a
high position in the Volunteer force."

The Prince, in proposing the next toast, "The Artists' Orphan Fund,"
said:--

"I have no doubt you will drink this toast in bumpers,
particularly as this is the first dinner which has been given in
aid of the Fund. I can assure you it has given me much pleasure
to come here and explain to you some of the chief points
connected with this excellent charity. Being a charity in aid of
orphans it is, you will agree with me, worthy of peculiar
sympathy. It recommends itself still more to our notice when we
reflect that it proposes to help the children of those who have
done so much to elevate and refine art among us, and whose
beautiful pictures have so often delighted us. Many persons may
imagine that it is not difficult to be a painter, but the
distinguished artists whom I see around me will, I am sure,
agree with me that that it is a great mistake. To be a good
painter genius is by no means all that is required. Industry and
perseverance must also be exercised just as much as in the case
of eminent clergymen, lawyers, scientific men, philosophers, or
the members of any other branch of human exertion which we can
name. Again, we must remember that, although a man may have been
a successful painter, although his genius may have been
recognized in other countries besides his own, and although he
may have accumulated money in the course of long, laborious
years, yet, being laid on a bed of sickness, that money may have
dwindled away, and his children may be left entirely destitute.
This fund, then, is destined for the support of the orphans of
such artists and for their educat