epidemic had hitherto occurred in the asylum; and as that would
go far to exhaust the funds, he called upon the company to do
their utmost to replenish them. His Royal Highness made a
passing allusion, by way of example, to the fact that an
anonymous benefactor had thrice contributed the sum of L1000 to
the treasury of the institution, and in conclusion he earnestly
appealed to the audience to do what in them lay towards the
relief of that grievously afflicted class of their fellow
creatures."

At the close of the festival Mr. William Nicholas, the secretary,
announced that the subscriptions in the course of the evening amounted
in all to L4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas, under initials,
which left no doubt that it was a donation by His Royal Highness the
Chairman.

HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS.

_June 2nd, 1871._

Among the many institutions for homeless and orphan boys, the Cottage
Homes at Farningham are less heard of than some others which make more
clamorous appeals to the public. But they have for many years been the
scene of useful and beneficent work, and deserve larger support. At
Farningham there are 300 little boys, homeless, and in danger of falling
into evil ways, who are clothed, fed, educated, and taught some trade by
which they can earn their own living. They are then provided with
outfit, and placed in situations, where they are looked after as Old
Boys. This is a charity which was certain to awaken the sympathy and
receive the support of the Prince of Wales, when brought under his
notice.

On the 2nd of June, 1871, His Royal Highness presided at a festival at
the Freemasons' Hall for the benefit of the charity. He had already with
the Princess of Wales visited the Homes at Farningham, and then laid the
foundation-stone of the new buildings there. At the festival dinner, in
giving the toast, "Prosperity to the Home for Little Boys," the
following is the substance of what the Prince said:--

"The object of the promoters of this excellent charity had been
to take from the highways of this vast Metropolis those
unfortunate little beings who had been deprived of their
parents, or who had no homes, and to clothe, feed, educate, and
train them so that they might be enabled to go forth into the
world with a knowledge of some trade, and qualified, when they
left this admirable home, to earn their living, by being removed
from th