THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 205 



local Cornisli names is a subject which has even yet not been 

 fully worked out. Would it not be worth while for some one 

 thoroughly conversant with the Welsh language — for that is 

 essential — to take this up once more ; and would it be altogether 

 impossible for us to restore the proper spelling of some of the 

 names which have been altogether perverted from their meaning ? 

 Might we not gradually rescue such names as Bosant from the 

 desecrating influence which has converted it into Percent — so 

 little suggestive of "the Saint's dwelling" — or the "holy 

 abode.'' 



But it fahould be the object of this Institution not merely to 

 search for lost records of the past, but also to keep the history 

 of the present posted up to date. In the case of public build- 

 ings, such as our churches, if we can do little ourselves, we can 

 at least endeavour to awaken an interest in the minds of those who 

 have the care of them. 



Some time ago the Bishop sent round to the Clergy and others 

 a schedule of questions with reference to the Architectural fea- 

 tures and interior fittings of our parish churches. How many 

 of these were answered I know not. Comparatively few, I fear, 

 although in most cases the form might have been filled up in 

 an hour. In connection with this subject it has been remarked as 

 strange how totally all record has been lost of the circumstances 

 under which, and the persons by whom the universal restoration 

 of Cornish churches was effected at the end of the 15th century. 

 Yet, strange as this appears, it must seem more strange, though 

 I believe equally true, that in many of our churches you would 

 find it impossible now to obtain similar information with respect 

 to work done within the last 50 years. Would it not be well 

 if in every parish a Church book were kept in which all 

 alterations or additions to the building should be regularly 

 recorded ? And could not our members do something to en- 

 courage such a record in their own parishes ? 



The last enquiry is whether I am wrong in thinking that some- 

 thing might be gainedby a closer intercourse between the three 

 great kindi-ed Societies of the county — the Eoyal Polytechnic, the 

 Greological, and your own? Wliether in some cases, without 

 touching their autonomy in local interests, they might not afford 

 each otiier mutual help ? Perhaps it may be thought that a good 



