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of this country. Everything was done, under a well-arranged sys- 
tem, to collect, by observation on the spot, and by reference to ex- 
isting sources of information, all the details necessary to illustrate the 
ancient and modern topography of Ireland. Every Irishman must re- 
gret the abandonment of this great design. We are, however, permitted 
to rejoice in the prospect of attaiming several of the objects at which it 
aimed by other and independent means. The Census Commissioners 
and the Statistical Society have taken up portions of the proposed work. 
The geological department of the survey has assumed wider dimensions, 
and a separate existence. The Archeological and Celtic Societies are 
gradually bringing into view a great deal of the antiquarian matter 
which had been prepared for publication in a different form in the Ord- 
nance Survey Memoir. We have in these facts a proof that the entire 
work was ably designed. For my own part, I do not hesitate to ex- 
press my belief, that to the individual who planned and organised it 
we are indebted for some of the most important advances which have 
been made within the last quarter of a century in the studies relating to 
the history, the language, and the antiquities of Ireland. To Lieutenant, 
now Major-General, Sir Thomas Larcom, belongs this honour. Finding 
elements of knowledge and talent, and sources of information, existing 
apart from one another, he brought them into combination, and obtained 
effects which they were otherwise incapable of producing. He will 
leave behind him many and conclusive evidences of his judgment and 
ability in dealing with Irish affairs ; but in this room there will never be 
wanting a monument to commemorate his services, so long as we preserve 
the volumes which contain the papers of the Ordnance Survey. Before 
. Lieutenant Larcom, we had indeed a Petrie to prove that the round towers 
were Christian belfries, and not Persian fire-towers ; that cromleacs were 
places of sepulture, and not altars of human sacrifice ; that caiseals were 
military structures, and not temples for Druidical worship. But our 
great antiquary stood alone. A school of followers was gathered round 
him, and disciplined in the offices of Mountjoy. If it had not been for 
the agencies there brought into operation, I doubt whether we should 
have been able to point to such proofs of learning and diligence as Dr. 
O’Donovan and Mr. Curry have since given to the world. There, asin 
every other department of human study, experience has taught us the 
infinite advantages of philosophic method and systematic labour. 
These, gentlemen, are the lessons which it is especially incumbent 
upon us to master for ourselves, and to communicate by our example to 
others. So long as these lessons are taught and practised amongst us, 
we shall never find occasion to abate the affection and respect with which 
we now look up to our Academy. 
Ir was ResoLVED UNANIMOUSLY,—That the President be requested to 
allow his admirable Address, just delivered, to be printed in the Pro- 
ceedings. 
