44 NATURAL SCIENCE. July, 1894. 



Under the existing system of administration four institutions, 

 namely, the Museum, National Library, Botanic Gardens, and 

 School of Art, whose functions necessarily overlap in some important 

 respects, are linked together, and so far co-operate for mutual 

 advantage. The books in the Library are available to those working 

 the other three institutions, and the specimens in the Museum 

 and Botanic Gardens are available to the students of the School 

 of Art, while the official administrative staff is common to all. 



The annual Parliamentary vote for the four institutions amounts 

 to about ^20,000, besides the vote taken by the Board of Works for 

 maintenance. This expenditure maybe regarded as a moderate outlay 

 upon the part of the State, considering that an average of 2,600 persons 

 visit these institutions daily, when all are open together. 



I have thus conducted you through, or rather past, the con- 

 troversies and labours which have resulted in the present con- 

 dition of affairs ; and I venture to hope that your inspection of the 

 Museum and the other institutions during the next few days will 

 prove a sufficient reward for your trouble in coming here, and that 

 some of you, at least, will derive permanent advantages, carry away 

 new ideas and also, and not least, pleasant recollections of this the first 

 visit of the Museums' Association to Ireland. 



