114 MEETING OF THJ3 BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



arose in the minds of even the most intelligent and liberal, of the 

 high ground on which science and general knowledge take stand in 

 the sister kingdom. Not only was the character of the warm-heait- 

 ed, open, liberal, and confiding Irishman fully exemplified in all its 

 ramifications, but the travellers found it united with talent and let- 

 tered distinction of the first order. We do not hesitate to affirm 

 that more has been achieved in this national interchange of intellec- 

 tual and social fellowship, — more has been accomplished to give a 

 clear insight into the Irish character, without prejudice or partiality, 

 — than all the legislative measures which have yet been suggested 

 or adopted for that beneficial end. To judge of a country you must 

 see it — to appreciate its inhabitants you must mingle with the seve- 

 ral classes, casting off all home-spun pride and affectation ; a tho- 

 rough knowledge of the people is not gained by a formal introduc- 

 tion to a few exclusives of which the Court is composed, — the traits 

 of national character, its bright and sunny, and its dark and baleful 

 indications, can only be correctly gathered by a direct and personal 

 observation of society in every grade. Now will our literary coun- 

 trymen know what Ireland really is, — of what materials her sons are 

 composed. They have now had an opportunity of judging by the 

 unerring test of experience; and the consequences will be a future 

 reciprocity of generous and kindly feeling, more extensive and use- 

 ful than ever yet contemplated. 



For many previous days, and particularly on the Saturday before 

 the appointed day of meeting, so popular was the excitement, that 

 crowds of strangers from all parts poured into Dublin ; English and 

 Scotch professors, ])hilosophers, poets, and literary characters of every 

 order. The Examination Hall and the Courts of Trinity College, 

 were on Monday crowded with members of the Association, as well 

 as with strangers, who could not obtain admission into the densely- 

 crowded Theatre of the College. So many candidates presented 

 themselves, that the local council was compelled to place some re- 

 strictions on admission, and to refuse, unless under special circum- 

 stances, all applications made after Wednesday, the 5th of August, 

 by persons residing in Dublin. The consequence was, that at least 

 four hundred were disappointed, but the necessity of the limitation 

 was so apparent that no complaints were made. Ladies' tickets 

 were also restricted in number; and the inflexible adherence of the 

 council to the regulations, necessarily produced many awkward em- 

 barrassments. The arrangements made by the reception committee 

 were excellent, and they were greatly aided by the gentlemanly and 

 liberal spirit of Sir John Tobin, of Liverpool, who sent over his 

 steamer, the William Penn, with a large party on Friday ; and this 

 courtesy and attention was extended to a numerous body of the 

 members who embarked on Sunday. A deputation from Dublin 

 received the passengers by this vessel at Kingstown, whence a train 

 of carriages, granted to the Association by the Railway Company, 

 conveyed them to the city. Within the walls of the College accom- 

 modations were provided for a considerable number of the guests. 



