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IIl—THE ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS TO THE ROYAL GEO. 
LOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, sy REV. MAXWELL 
H. CLOSE, ma. 
[Read February 18, 1878.] 
As this is the first anniversary meeting of the Royal Geological 
Society of Ireland, which has been held in connection with the Royal 
Dublin Society, it behoves us, as members of the former, to begin 
our proceedings with a reference to the new conditions in which we 
find ourselves. We would heartily congratulate ourselves on the 
alliance which has been effected between the two Societies; it is 
calculated to be beneficial to us in various ways. Our modesty 
prevents our congratulating the members of the Royal Dublin 
Society, in their presence, on the alliance; but we may express 
our desire and hope that the benefit may be mutual. We are not 
called upon to confess whether that hope be accompanied with 
expectation ; but, judging from the way in which our newly 
found allies have favoured us with their presence and countenance, 
we venture to surmise that they are not altogether devoid of such 
expectation themselves. 
The nature of the connexion between the two Societies is, as 
you are aware, best indicated by the word which has been chosen 
to describe it, viz., “Association.” There is no amalgamation, 
incorporation, affiliation, &c; each Society still remains quite 
separate and distinct. The Geological Society retains its own 
individuality and autonomy just as before. We hope we may be 
excused for pointing out on the present occasion, as a matter of 
business, yet with an earnest p) yévorro, that should it ever become 
necessary, the association of the two Societies can be dissolved as 
easily as it was effected. 
To turn to our own special concerns—As we have just entered 
upon new conditions, though not upon a new stage of existence, 
this has been regarded as a suitable opportunity for introducing 
a new feature into our operations. We have had, at various 
times, field excursions to places in the neighbourhood of special 
geological interest. It is now proposed to make this a regular 
