The Queen paid a visit in semi-state to Bristol on
Wednes- day in order to open the splendid Convalescent Home built in memory of her Diamond Jubilee, and was received with the rapture of welcoming loyalty which nowadays attends all her movements. The whole South-West had precipitated itself upon the ancient and most picturesque city, the crowds were enormous, and the scene as the procession moved amidst rather unusual military display is described as singularly beautiful. The replies to the addresses were, unfortunately, written for her Majesty, who does not, when she gives us her own thoughts, talk about " recreative institutions," and therefore they sounded conventional, but even the weather was loyal, and the Queen, who looked gratified, was evidently in fair health. As usual, her Majesty did a characteristic thing, sending for an old cornet player who had played before her and the Duchess of Kent when they visited Bristol in 1830, and reminding him kindly of their meeting sixty-nine years ago. The effort involved in the visit must have been a con- siderable one, the Queen leaving Windsor and returning on the same day ; but it was well repaid. The sight of the living standard which is the pivot of their national action makes Englishmen feel their unity.
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