lency's attention to the objects of the Academy, and to the 

 manner in which we have endeavoured to carry those objects 

 into effect. When your Excellency has leisure to inquire 

 more minutely into our proceedings, we indulge a hope that 

 you will recognise in the Royal Irish Academy a most im- 

 portant instrument of good for Ireland. The Academy, during 

 a period of more than sixty years, has been the means of 

 bringing into notice much of the talent of this country, which 

 would otherwise, perhaps, have perished in obscurity ; and the 

 papers that have appeared in our Transactions have earned 

 for us a reputation, not altogether insignificant, among the 

 learned Societies and Academies of Europe. 



" To the inheritor of the illustrious title of Clarendon, it 

 is unnecessary to enlarge upon the advantages of an Institu- 

 tion which has for its objects the advancement of Literature 

 and Learning. An indirect, but not unimportant benefit, re- 

 sulting from such an Institution, is its tendency to diminish 

 party strife and prejudice. The Academy has always been 

 composed of men who differed from each other widely on many 

 subjects ; but their differences, hallowed by the calm pursuits 

 of Science, have never interfered with that mutual forbearance 

 and good will which is so essential to the right cultivation of 

 Literature, and so eminently desirable in a country like this. 



" That such benevolent and kindly feelings, with learning 

 and all useful knowledge, may be effectually promoted in every 

 part of Ireland under your Excellency's government, is our 

 earnest hope and prayer." 



ANSWER. 

 '• Mr. President and Gentlemen of the 

 Royal Irish Academy, 

 •' I beg you will accept my sincere acknowledgments for 

 the kind and flattering terms in which you have conveyed to 

 me your congratulations upon my arrival in this country. 



