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HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



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and bearing golden stars and decorations, were erected on tlie 

 base on which, the Memorial of 1851 now stands, then an 

 empty spot over the cascade. To this, steps led up on either 

 side ; and here the chief feature and most important part of 

 the ceremonial took place. The great dignitaries of our own 

 and foreign countries met in the Consei-vatory. Here a crowd 

 of those who have earned a j^lace in the history of their 

 country gathered together. Here rival statesmen and politi- 

 cians assembled with but one object, — Lord Palmerston and 

 Mr. DisraeU met without difference of opinion, — the leaders in 

 Science and Art recognised by their presence the importance of 

 the occasion, and the special International Eepresentatives its 

 ■universal and wide -spread interest. His Highness the Pasha 

 of Egypt, as representative of Turkey, held a little court, or 

 impromptu levee, every one apparently being anxious to pay 

 their homage to a mind so far in advance of his country. 

 Advantage was taken of the opportunity to secure the signature 

 of this enhghtened ruler on one of the illumitiated pages on 

 which the autographs of distinguished Visitors or Fellows are 

 preserved. The occasion being sudden, no page had been pre- 

 pared, but he promised to sign it if it could be got ready before 

 he left England. The page was got ready in time, but no more 

 than time : he signed it standing on the deck of his yacht, 

 holding the page with one hand and the pen with the other, 

 while preparations were making to set sail. The painting and 

 decoration of the page jsleased him. It was a well-executed 

 painting, representing the pyi-amids and desert of Egypt — and 

 he asked that a cojjy should be made for him. This was done ; 

 but before it reached him he was no more. Tlie presence of the 



