x. PREFACE. 
others; and a communication from Sir J. Witiiam Dawson, 
K.C.M.G., F.R.S. Professor E. Hutt, LL.D., F.R.S. (Direc- 
tor of the Geological Survey of Ireland), contributes two 
papers, one on “ Some Results of a scientific Expedition to 
Arabia Petrzea and Western Palestine,”’ the other on “‘ Petra, the 
Rock-hewn Capital of Idumeza.” Mr.§.R. Parrison, F.G.S., 
a paper on ‘‘ The Pedigree of the Coral Reefs of England.’ 
The Rev. 8. D. Pest, a paper on “ The Religious Beliefs and 
Traditions of the Aborigines of North America,” upon which 
subject it would be difficult to find one more competent to 
speak. The Rev. J. Lusiim Porter, D.D., LL.D., President 
of Queen’s College, Belfast, a paper on “‘ The Connexion 
between Jewish, Phoenician, and Harly Greek Art and Archi- 
tecture”; to this is added a report upon the discoveries 
at Sidon. The Rev. Canon Savmarez Smuiru, B.D., a paper 
on “ Practical Optimism.” The Rev. F. A. Watxer, D.D., 
F.L,S., a paper on ‘ Oriental Entomology.” The Rev. W. 
Wricat, D.D., a paper on “ The Empire of the Hittites,” a 
subject which is peculiarly his own; this is followed by an 
interesting statement as to the Hittites, and a_ short 
description of “ Canaan, Ancient and Modern,” by the Rey. 
Canon H. B. Tristram, D.D., F.R.S. 
Some Notes of importance will be found in the Appendix. 
To all who have added to the value of the present Volume, 
the best thanks of the Members and Associates are due. 
During the past—Jubilee—year, the Vicrorra InstiTUTE 
presented to her Majesty the following Address :— 
To THE QurEn’s Most ExcretLtent MaAgsEsty. 
May ir PLease Your Magxsry, 
We, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the President, Coun- 
cil, and Members of the Victoria Institute, gladly embrace the opportunity 
of once more approaching Your Majesty, and tendering our heartfelt con- 
gratulations on the completion of the Fiftieth year of Your Majesty’s Reign 
over a free and loyal people. 
_We acknowledge, with thankfulness, that in the growth of the Empire 
abroad, in large measures of beneficent legislation at home, in literature, and 
in the investigationof the truths of Philosophy and Science (with which it 
is our privilege to be specially connected), Your Majesty’s Reign may con- 
fidently challenge comparison with those of our greatest and most Illustrious 
