Mhmtcs of Froceedings. 175 



I can fancy that these reports miglit set the biologist on the track of 

 discoveries of prime importance to the welfare of mankind. I can 

 fancy the historian might discover in some apparently trivial survival 

 of an old custom or tradition the secrets of past actions and motives 

 which might baffle those who depend on written records alone. I can 

 fancy that the social reformer may learn from those reports that the 

 success of remedial measures must largely depend on special circum- 

 stances, and on the idiosyncrasies of those to whom they are to be 

 applied, and I can well fancy that by means of these data the states- 

 man may be able to solve some part of the present problems of govern- 

 ment. It is in this belief that I express the hope that so far as 

 possible, and as soon as possible, these inquiries may be carried on 

 through all parts of Great Britain and Ireland in which the disturbance 

 of the old characteristics of the people has been so slight as to enable, 

 information so interesting and useful to be gathered as that which we 

 have heard in Dr. Browne's Paper." 



The President, addressing the Lord Lieutenant, said that the visit 

 of his Excellency afforded pleasure to the Members of the Academy, 

 not merely by his presence, but because of his taking part in the pro- 

 ceedings of the Academy. His Excellency was not content merely 

 with the title of Yisitor to the Academy — a title which belonged to his 

 high position — nor with his inspection in our Museum of the valuable 

 objects of interest to antiquarians, but came and saw the manner in 

 which they conducted their' proceedings, thus practically recognising 

 his relation with the Academy, and manifesting the interest which 

 he took in their work. On the part of the Academy he tendered to 

 his Excellency their respectful thanks. 



Saturday, March 16, 1895. 



(Stated Meeting.) 



Dr. J. K. Ii^GEAM, S.F.T.C.D., President, in the Chair. 



The President declared the ballot open for the election of President 

 and Council, and appointed Mr. George L. Cathcart, m.a., and Mr, 

 John E. Gore, f.r.a.s., as Scrutineers. 



