viii THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY 



Society itself, released from their direction, has found, 

 and continues to find, fresh interests, on which its 

 beneficent labours may be expended, under the guidance 

 of men who, like their predecessors, at much self- 

 sacrifice, unite in a common effort for the benefit of 

 their fellow countrymen. 



Mr. R. J. Moss, Registrar of the Society, and 

 his very courteous staff have been most helpful during 

 the progress of the work. It is plain that no one so 

 effectively as Mr. Moss could have written the history 

 of the Society during the last thirty-five years, and 

 dealt with the scientific aspect of its work, on which, 

 as well from his own high attainments as from the 

 traditions he has inherited, he speaks with exceptional 

 authority. Mr. Moss most kindly contributes Chap- 

 ters xvin and xix, which form a valuable addition 

 to the work. To Dr. F. Elrington Ball my obliga- 

 tions are very great, as he not only read the proofs, 

 but placed his experience and extensive knowledge 

 of Ireland in the eighteenth century at my disposal. 

 To Mr. Walter G. Strickland, of the National 

 Gallery, my best thanks are due for help in the 

 chapter on the Drawing Schools, in which his 

 Dictionary of Irish Artists is frequently cited. Sir 

 Frederick W. Moore, Director of the Botanic Garden, 

 took a kind interest in the chapter on his Department, 

 and afforded much valuable information. Mr. T. W. 

 Lyster obligingly read the portion of the work devoted 

 to the Library, and his competent staff, true to their 

 traditions, were ever ready to meet any demands on 

 their technical knowledge. The Council of the Royal 



