116 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

equestrian exercise, or a ride around the Royalty. The Prince, the Governor, and two or three other gentlemen vaulted to their saddles and passed along Kent Street at a brisk trot, taking the St. Peter’s Road to the Mount Edward Road as far as the intersection of the Royalty Road, thence through to the Malpeque Road and back to the ground they had left, where they arrived a few minutes before the sun had passed below the horizon.

There was a grand display of fireworks in the evening, which for a time covered the waters of the Hillsborough with a brilliant glare. At the hour of 9 o’clock, the five warships at anchor 1n the harbor became illuminated, lights of many colors were placed at the port- -holes, on the shrouds, masts, and along the yards. Rockets were sent up from each ship for half an hour, and when they broke on high myriads of falling stars

added to the brilliancy of the scene.

A Ball and Banquet was given in honor of His Royal ' Highness, which was attended by a large and brilliant as- semblage. The Prince arrived at Io o’,clock and commenced the mirth of the evening dancing with Mrs. Dundas. The music was lively and quadrilles followed fast upon each other. The Prince evidently appreciated the reception he had received, dancing in great spirits with several ladies during the evening. His Highness departed for Government House accompanied by his kind host and hostess in the early morn. The Prince of Wales Rifles Volunteers, having been on guard at the scene of festivity since early the previous evening, was now dis- missed.

The city at an early hour on Saturday the 11th was all alive. As the hour for the departure of His Highness drew nigh, the guard of honor and volunteer companies had assembled and were marshalled into position, while the dais on Queen’s Wharf became occupied similar to that of the morning of the 9th. At 12 o’clock the lowering of the Royal Standard at Govem- ment House, together with the booming of artillery at George’s Battery, signified that the visit of the Prince of Wales to our shores had terminated and that His Royal Highness was about taking leave of the colony.

As an expression of thanks for the kindness he had received, the Prince handed a donation of 16:50 to the Governor, to be disposed of for charitable purposes.