ended to agriculture, for his liberal
assistance to the local charities, for the interest which he had
displayed in county affairs, and, last but not least, for his support to
the fox-hounds. The society was also still more indebted to Her Royal
Highness the Princess of Wales for her gracious presence that evening.
Ladies ought always to interest themselves in their husbands' pursuits,
and he believed that agriculture came quite within their province. The
Earl next alluded to the illness of the Prince of Wales in December
last, and expressed his hope that His Royal Highness's life might long
be spared, as it would be devoted to the welfare of the people of
England, and the promotion of all that was good and noble. The toast was
drunk with rounds of cheering, renewed when the Prince rose to reply.

His Royal Highness said that "he and the Princess were deeply
thankful for the reception which they had experienced during the
day. He was very glad that it had been in his power to fulfil
the promise which he gave some time since that he would preside
over the meeting. It had been a success, and he should ever
esteem it a high compliment to have been associated with it.
During the ten years in which he had lived in Norfolk, he had
endeavoured not to lag behind those other county landlords who
so ably fulfilled their duties. It would always be his earnest
endeavour to promote the welfare of the county, in which he was
much interested. He had to thank the meeting for the kind
reception which the Princess of Wales always experienced
whenever she appeared in public. It was most desirable that
ladies should associate themselves in their husbands' pursuits,
and when the Princess did not accompany him he always felt that
there was something wanting. With regard to his illness, he
should never forget the sympathy which had been extended towards
him. He accepted that sympathy as a token of the feeling of this
great and enlightened country towards himself and the Princess,
the Queen, his mother, and the Monarchical system which we had
adopted."

After acknowledgment had been made by Lord Leicester, for the toast of
the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, and the Bishop had responded for the
Clergy, the Prince rose to give what he called the toast of the evening:
"Prosperity to the Norfolk Agricultural Association."

His Royal Highness traced "the prog