60 
self. To your exertions is due much of the merit of the work to which 
this Medal is awarded, and it is with great pleasure I deliver it into your 
hands. Mr. Cooper, in conjunction with another eminent Member of 
the Academy, has won for Ireland the proud distinction, that on her 
distant shores the zeal of two private individuals, out of their own pri- 
vate means, has done more for the advancement of practical astronomy 
than in other countries of Europe has been effected with the aid of Go- 
vernment patronage and public funds.” 
Mr. Graham then thanked the President for the allusion he had made 
to his own share in the work, for which this Medal had been awarded, 
and added :— 
“« T have been requested by Mr. Cooper to express his great regret that 
the very short adjournment of the House of Commons for Whitsuntide 
has prevented his attendance here this evening, to offer his personal 
thanks for the high honour conferred upon him. 
“That regret is increased on account of the two facts that you, Mr. 
President, are connected with the county in which the labour has been 
performed that has elicited your approval, and that this meeting is ho- 
noured by the presence of the representative of her most Gracious 
Majesty. 
‘‘T am also desired to add, that Mr. Cooper has never considered him- 
self more than a quarrier of stones or a hewer of wood for the scientific 
temple, but that he cannot deny that he has been anxious for, and re- 
ceived far beyond his deserts, encouragement in his pursuits from the 
master-builders of this eminent Academy.” 
The President then called upon Mr. Salmon, and said :— 
‘“‘Mr. Salmon, I have to apologize to Mr. Cooper, and more especially 
to yourself, for the very imperfect account I have given to the Academy 
of your labours. But you know that for many years my studies have 
been directed to other subjects, and that I have given no portion of my 
time to practical astronomy, or to the higher branches of mathematics, 
in which you have so eminently distinguished yourself. Nevertheless, 
I retain enough of my former knowledge to appreciate very fully the 
merit of your works ; although I confess that, without the kind assistance 
I have received from two of our brother Fellows, I could not have given 
to the Academy even that very inadequate account of your and of Mr. 
Cooper’s researches, for which I feel that I owe you this apology. Accept, 
however, this Medal as a mark of the high approval of the Academy; 
and believe me, that it is no small gratification to myself personally to 
be the official medium of presenting it to you.” 
The President then called upon Dr. Butcher to receive the Medal 
awarded to Dr. Wall, and said :— 
‘Dr. Butcher, you, who are so well aware of the intimate friend- 
ship (and friendship is too cold a word), which exists between our ve- 
nerable Vice-Provost and myself, will easily believe that the gratifica- 
