255 



of its members the highest personal respect; and I consider 

 that the zeal and liberality with which they have sustained the 

 Institution, and carried out its objects, entitle them to be 

 classed among national benefactors. It was, therefore, with 

 peculiar satisfaction that I became instrumental in rendering 

 to the Academy the service of which it stood in need ; but I 

 must not take undue credit to myself for this, as it is largely 

 shared by Dr. Robinson, who, as a man of science, pointed out 

 what was necessary, and, as a man of business, showed how 

 it could be accomplished. His letter, with the authority of his 

 great name, needed but little recommendation from me to Lord 

 John Russell or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I hope 

 that the new building will be found adequate to the purpose 

 of rendering your inestimable possessions more useful and ac- 

 cessible to the public. I attach great importance to the pub- 

 lication of the Brehon Laws, both in a political and literary 

 point of view, and I cannot doubt that my successor, when 

 made aware of the circumstances, will feel under the same ob- 

 ligation that I do to Dr. Todd and Dr. Graves, for the truly 

 patriotic spirit with which they have undertaken this arduous 

 work; neither can I doubt that from Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment they will receive all the encouragement and assistance 

 they may require. For myself, permit me to say, that in this 

 or any other matter involving the interests of the Royal Irish 

 Academy, I hope you will freely command my services ; they 

 will be given with all the devotion of personal friendship and 

 the desire to do good to Ireland, which I have always felt 

 during my residence among you, and which I assure you will 

 in no respect be diminished by the termination of my official 

 career." 



The Secretary of Council read the following Report: — 



The Council, in presenting their Annual Report to the Academy, 

 have more than ordinary reason to congratulate it on its efficient 



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