The next event set down in the programme of the day was one to which great national importance is attached--namely, that of laying the foundation stone of the new Museum of Science and Art in connection with South Kensington. Elaborate preparations had been made for it, and the grounds at each side of Leinster House, which is to be the central building, were adorned with gay flags and fitted up with stands, from which the entry of the Royal party and the ceremonial itself could be seen. A guard of honour, contributed by the Cornwall Regiment, with their band, was stationed on Leinster Lawn, opening upon Merrion Square, through which the Royal party entered. On the route from the Castle to Leinster House, the streets were everywhere densely crowded, and the houses decorated. An open passage for the procession was kept by the police without any difficulty, the populace behaving with exemplary decorum. The Prince and Princess acknowledged most graciously the enthusiastic greetings of the crowds, which were largely composed of the working classes. The first stone having been duly laid, and a statement having been made by Professor Ball of the objects of the new "Museum of Science and Art, and of the National Library of Ireland," the Prince replied:-- "Mr. Ball, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I thank you heartily on behalf of the Princess of Wales and myself for the very cordial welcome which you leave given us to-day. It is peculiarly satisfactory to me to have been able to take part in the interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone upon which the superstructure of the new museum will, I hope, before long be built. It gratified me to learn of the action which the Science and Art Department had taken in reference to this museum and to observe the support which that action received both from the Royal Dublin Society and from the Royal Irish Academy. It is by a united movement such as this that difficulties are overcome and success made possible of attainment. I am glad to think that the two great societies I have named have combined to smooth the way for an institute which will, I trust, be useful to a large number of the people of Ireland. I hope some day to see in full working order the institution of which the first stone has been laid this afternoon. When this is so, the magnificent collections, which have obtained a wide reputation, will be open to a public thoroughly capable of appreciating their merit and deriving advantages from their amalgamation under one roof. The Museum will worthily face the great library, where the efforts of a State Department have been successfully combined with a movement originated by the the citizens, and supported out of the rates, the object of which is to give free facilities for reading and study to the people of this metropolis. I am glad to