It is pleasing to reflect that this neighbourhood need not shrink from such an inquiry. For though its growth has been unprecedentedly rapid for the last ten years, private liberality and public munificence have combined to preserve its ancient pre-eminence over other suburban parishes. It is still in truth, as well as name, “the Royal Ville” of Kensington. But whilst it is creditable to its patriotism that it has erected, within this recent period, four new churches, has built a dispensary, and raised other public structures of much architectural merit and of great utility; whilst in these edifices, dedicated to the noblest ends, religion and humanity, evidences are shrined of an enlightened and active desire of improvement, no attempt commensurate with the importance of the town has yet been made to purchase or erect a building where neighbour may meet neighbour in a spirit of good-will and unity, and by intercourse and the exchange of daily courtesy, and the pursuit of knowledge, which civilizes and blesses parishes as well as nations, communities as well as individuals, and which ought ever to be found in alliance with religion itself. Kensington, central Kensington, with its parks, and gardens, and palace, the birthplace and residence of monarchs, rich in historical associations, almost the home of genius; where Cromwell swayed the destinies of Europe; where William of Orange sojourned, Lord Chancellor Nottingham dwelt, Sir Christopher Wren planned and built, and Sir Isaac Newton solved the problems of astronomy; where George II.’s children played, and Queen Victoria was born; which is linked in memory with the names of Addison, Horner, Canning, Wellesley, Moore, Wilkie, and Wilberforce, and still retains within its limits some of the most distinguished authors and artists of the day, possesses no Public Museum, no Public Library, not even a Lecture-Hall. But though it be a matter of shame and disgrace that this omission has never been adequately supplied, much of the substantial advantage attached to the Athenæums of the manufacturing towns, and the Bibliothèques of the continental cities, has been modestly provided by the Parochial Institute.