to all, there are works of great ability brought hither by men who are
still rising to fame; and, therefore, we have the satisfaction of
feeling that this country will never be wanting in men distinguished in
the practice of the fine arts. [Cheers.] One great merit of this
Exhibition is that whatever may be the turn of a man's mind, whatever
his position in life, he may at least during the period he is within
these walls, indulge the most pleasant illusions applicable to the wants
his mind at that time may feel. A man who comes here shivering in one of
those days which mark the severity of an English summer, may imagine
that he is basking in an African sun and he may feel an imaginary warmth
from the representation of a tropical climate. If, on the other hand, he
is suffering under those exceptional miseries which one of the few hot
days of an English summer is apt to create, he may imagine himself
inhaling the fresh breezes of the seaside; he may suppose himself
reclining in the cool shade of the most luxuriant foliage; he may for a
time, in fancy, feel all the delights which the streets and pavements of
London deny in reality. [Cheers and laughter.] And if he happens to be a
young man, upon what is conventionally said to be his preferment, that
is to say, looking out for a partner in life, he may here study all
kinds and descriptions of female beauty [laughter and cheers]; he may
satisfy his mind whether light hair or dark, blue eyes or black, the
tender or the serious, the gay or the sentimental, are most likely to
contribute to the happiness of his future life. [Cheers.] And without
exposing himself to any of those embarrassing questions as to his
intentions [laughter] which sometimes too inquisitive a scrutiny may
bring [much laughter], without creating disappointment or breaking any
hearts, by being referred to any paternal authority, which, he may not
desire to consult, he may go and apply to practical selection those
principles of choice which will result from the study within these
walls.