( sviii ) 



The discoTeries made in these places, !Mr. Franks concludes, seem 

 to point to the occupation of the districts in which they have heen 

 found by tribes nearly allied by their habits to the modern Esqui- 

 maux ; and the remains of animals found with them likewise point to 

 the climate of the south of France having been then far more arctic 

 than at present. Among these early remains were found the first 

 examples known to exist of the graphic art ; for on the bones of rein- 

 deer, as well as of extinct mammals, are scratched representations of 

 human forms, fish, and reindeer, which, though rude in the extreme, 

 still show a power of seizing the characteristic action and expression 

 of the subject which far exceeds the lifeless efforts in the same direc- 

 tion made by our early illuminators. 



Such general services as Mr. Franks has rendered to the cause 

 of archaeology have won for him a well-deserved reputation. But in 

 additfon, let me remind you that he has a special claim on oiir gi'ati- 

 tude, since it was through his instrumentality that the Petrie Museum 

 was purchased for this country, and now forms part of that of the 

 Eoyal Irish Academy. 



I may here speak of oui' Library, which of late years has so in- 

 creased in value. The purchase of new books and the addition of 

 Transactions by exchange have greatly enlai'ged our collection, and the 

 bequest of our late fellow-academician, Charles Haliday, of the vast 

 collection of pamphlets relating to the history and social state of our 

 country was a priceless addition to oui' treasuries. The wealth of our 

 Transactions will be every day augmented, not alone by the system of 

 money grants in aid of research, but by that of the immediate pubKca- 

 tion of Papers approved of by the Council, with their necessaiy illus- 

 trations. It is confidently hoped that the extra-mural scientific bodies 

 will see the wisdom of bringing about a closer accordance between their 

 efforts and ours. It is to be regretted that there should not be a more 

 combined exertion between them and this Academy. ISTo wish is en- 

 tertained here that the working of such societies should not be encou- 

 raged, but we trust that to each and all of them this body will ever be 

 a pride as well as a helper. 



Before leaving the subject of our Library, the work now being 

 carried on, of the transcription of our ancient Irish MSS., must be 

 mentioned. This was commenced during the time of our late Pre- 

 sident; and I am proud to say that the Academy has lately been 



