to express my gratification at the progress it Las made, and my conviction of its utility. (Applause.) It is not merely for the notice and preservation of things that are merely old, nor even for inculcating their close imitation in the works of art in use at the present day, but in order that by studying and analyzing them we may impregnate ourselves with some of the principles that operated in the minds of the original artisans and designers of the various remains of antiquity, and thus improve our taste, that societies of this kind are valuable. (Applause.) The artists, sculptors, architects, and painters of ancient times put their mind into their works, and made them, so to speak, tell a certain story. The execution is often rude, but the feeling and interest are obvious. I believe that this was the condition of the fine arts, that their first commencements, though timid and imperfect, were full of expression and sentiment; that after a time they attained a greater perfection, in which the execution equalled conception, which was followed in most cases by a decline, in which the artistical feeling was superseded by the mechanical excellence of workmanship; and our buildings, our statues, our paintings at last lost distinguishing and purpose-like expression, however successful they might be in copying and imitating. (Applause.) It is because I believe societies of this description, by setting us thinking and reasoning on these matters, will lead to the improvement of taste, that I conceive they are entitled to the support of the public. (Applause.) In conclusion, I think the Meeting ought to agree to a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Evelyn for his conduct this day in the Chair. (Loud applause.)
The Chairman having returned thanks for the compliment, the Meeting separated.
The Castle was then visited by the kind permission of W. Madox Blackwood, Esq., of Castle House, who had hospitably provided luncheon for the numerous party.
Mr. R. Godwin-Austen delivered an able discourse upon the history of this ancient feudal edifice, and pointed out its various architectural features.
The very interesting Church of St. Mary was next visited under the guidance of the Rev. Charles Boutell, who favoured the company with much valuable information upon its architecture and its peculiarities of construction.
At five o'clock a party of about 120 ladies and gentlemen sat down to a cold collation, provided at the White Hart Hotel. Mr. Evelyn presided, and in proposing "The Health of her Majesty the Queen," alluded to the loyalty of Guildford, observing,—I cannot but recall, in connection with the subject of our present Meeting, some passages in the history of this borough. I remember reading, that during the imprisonment of one of our Kings, who was afterwards executed, the inhabitants of Surrey met at Guildford, in public Meeting, and resolved to present a petition to the Legislature, praying that the King might be saved, and that peace might be restored to the country. I regret to
