82 



Castley deceased, and Madden and Ellis now living--have pronounced 

 that they could in most instances declare the age of such as were 

 placed before them, just as they could that of a man — by his general 

 appearance. 



In bringing this memoir to a conclusion, I cannot refrain from 

 lamenting the very inadequate provision made by our Legislature at all 

 times for preserving, collating, and transcribing the manuscripts which 

 exist in this countiy. Many of our national records also remain in a 

 mouldy and neglected state. They are deposited in buildings which are 

 by no means secure even against fire — no warning having been taken by 

 the conflagration which in the early part of the last century destroyed a 

 large and most valuable portion of the Cottonian collections. Let us 

 hope that the buildings now in course of erection may protect these 

 invaluable documents from perishing, and that every facility may be 

 afforded for bringing to light those antient memorials which our nation 

 is known to possess in greater abundance than any other in the world. 



(The reading of the preceding memoir was accompanied by the 

 exhibition of a great number of antient MSS. from the author's library.) 



At the conclusion of the paper, it was moved by Mr. Samuel Holme, 

 and carried by acclamation — " That the thanks of the Society be 

 presented to the President for his valuable paper." 



Thanks to Mr. Thornely, for having presided during part of the 

 evening's proceedings, were moved by Mr. Richard Rathbone, and 

 seconded by Mr. Thomas Bolton, after which the meeting separated. 



