nd my lamented father. I thank you,
also, for the allusion you made to me as a brother of the
'brush.' Although, as I observed before, I will do my utmost to
support art, still I am afraid I shall never be able to compete
with you as a painter, but at the same time I shall always be
ready to enter the lists with you in the hunting field as long
as you do not attempt to ride over me at the first fence. With
respect to the present Exhibition, it may, I think, be said that
the pictures in a great measure not only show the progress of
art, but record the times in which we live. Taken as a whole,
the Exhibition is one of a peaceful character, and indicative of
peace. There is only one picture to which I would refer which,
at the present moment, bears anything of a warlike character--I
mean 'Volunteers at a firing point,' in which there is a picture
of a distinguished Highlander (Mr. Ross), a countryman of your
own, who is represented as shooting for a prize. That is a very
interesting picture, and it reminds us forcibly that the
Volunteers who came forward for the protection of their country
have not been required in that capacity, and are now employing
their time usefully in the art of rifle shooting. Without
further trespassing on your time, permit me once more to thank
you for the manner in which you have proposed and drunk my
health."

The Duke of Cambridge, in responding to the toast of the Army, referred
to the distinction in art attained by the President, the brother of one
already highly distinguished in arms, his friend Sir Hope Grant. Prince
Alfred responded for the Navy.

An interesting fact, not generally known, was mentioned by Sir Francis
Grant, who had been called the successor of Sir Charles Eastlake. Sir
Edwin Landseer had been elected; and, although he could be only
persuaded to retain the office for one week, the Academy had the proud
satisfaction of knowing that his name is registered among its
Presidents.

The other speeches at this banquet were of unusual interest, from the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Earl Russell, and the Earl of Derby. Allusions
were made to the loss of Lord Palmerston, and of Mr. Gibson, the
sculptor, and also to the approaching marriage of the Princess Mary of
Cambridge, for whom the Duke of Teck responded. The Earl of Derby made
special reference to the National Exhibition of Portraits at Sout