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and prosperous state. The circumstance of our meeting in this 
new abode, so much more commodious than the one we formerly 
occupied, and so much more commensurate with the wants and the 
dignity of the Academy, is a conclusive proof of the estimation in 
which it is held. By thus liberally providing for our accommoda- 
tion, the Government of the country has established a permanent 
memorial of the approbation with which it regards the Academy, 
and which the Queen’s Representative has recently expressed in 
the most ample and gratifying terms. It remains for the Academy 
to pursue its vocation with fresh energy, and to prove itself de- 
serving of national support, as the chief body representing Science 
and Literature in Ireland. 
For the information of members who may not be fully aware of 
the circumstances connected with our tenure of the former Aca- 
demy House, and our removal to the present one, the Council have 
thought it expedient to lay before you a brief statement of these 
matters. 
The first meetings of the Academy were held in the house of its 
first President, the Earl of Charlemont. On his application to the 
Commissioners of Inland Navigation, the Academy was then granted 
the use of their house No. 114, Grafton-street, then called the Na- 
vigation House. The Commissioners having moved a few years 
afterwards to a different office, the Academy continued to occupy 
the same premises, and finally prevailed upon the Government to 
present it with the interest which the Government possessed in the 
lease of the house. This was done by a King’s Letter in the year 
1788. For some years after this date, annual grants of various 
amounts were made by the Irish Treasury to enable the Academy 
to defray its rent: but finally, in the years 1800 and 1801, two 
Acts of Parliament were passed, respectively granting annual sums 
not exceeding £50 and £116 13s. (late Irish currency) ; the former 
“to defray the expenses of the Establishment ;” the latter for the 
express purpose of paying the rent of the Academy House ; but, in 
fact, it was understood that these sums were intended to pay the 
various charges incidental upon the house accommodation of the 
Academy. From this source, after the deduction of certain official 
charges, the Academy has continued ever since to derive an annual 
