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earliest and perhaps most difficult stages of their studies, by foundations, such as that which has been so nobly endowed by the liberality of the Founder of this Chair?

This naturally leads me, before entering upon the specific subject of my first discourse, to a few words of respectful tribute to the memory of the late Felix Slade. It was my pleasure to know him, and to have learned to recognise that consolation under many trials in his old age, which he derived from his attachment to the studies and tastes of his manhood. The collections of glass, the prints, the books, and minor specimens of the art industries of the past, by which he surrounded himself, became never-failing sources of happy relaxation, when increasing infirmity rendered it difficult for him in his later years to derive the pleasure his hospitable spirit once led him to enjoy in the society of his friends. It would almost seem as though he had determined to assist others to become acquainted with the arts, from the manifestations of which he had himself derived some of his highest intellectual enjoyments, in gratitude for the pleasure and consolation he had found in cognate studies, and the friendships, sympathies, and humanising reflections to which they led him.

Permit me now to remind you of the precise terms used in the definition of the annual duties of a Professor under Mr Slade's bequest. He is bound to "deliver a course of not less than Twelve Lectures on the History, Theory and Practice of the Fine Arts, or of some section or sections of them; and no Lecture shall be twice delivered. The Lectures shall be delivered in full Term, and shall be open to all Members of the University, free of charge."

It appears to me that my first duty should be to explain to you the sense in which I understand that definition of my duties, and the action I hope to cause to result therefrom.

I trust in the course of the present year to be enabled to give from this Chair the following Course of Lectures,