511 



neris, but a compound altogether different in its nature and 

 properties ; 3rd, to prove that the supposed identity of sorbic 

 acid with Scheele's acid of apples was assumed on insufficient 

 grounds ; and 4th, now, for the first time, to supply the hitherto 

 deficient evidence that the acid of apples is the same as that 

 of sorbus berries, neither containing any other acid than the 

 sorbic." 



Rev. Charles Graves communicated some notes made by 

 himself and Mr. Charles M'Donnell respecting the existence 

 of various manuscripts in Ireland in the early part of the 

 seventeenth century. 



Rev. Dr. Todd presented rubbings from the monumental 

 stones in the churchyard of the abbey of Dungiven, Co. 

 Derry. 



April 22nd, 1850. 



The REV. HUMPHREY LLOYD, D. D., President, 



in the Chair. 



The Secretary read the following second Report relative 

 to the establishment of a system of meteorological and tidal 

 observations in Ireland : 



" In presenting to the Academy their Second Beport relative to the 

 establishment of a system of Meteorological and Tidal Observations 

 in Ireland, your Council desire to state that they have given their 

 earnest and attentive consideration to the details of the proposed 

 measure, and especially to the plan of observation required. Before 

 entering upon the latter, it will be necessary to advert briefly to 

 the nature of the questions whose solution is sought. In Meteoro- 

 logy the following are the principal : 



" 1. The distribution of temperature, humidity, and rain, as af- 



