( Ixx ) 



any archeeological assistance that might be offered, should be in the 

 form, of preliminary Reports to be submitted to him, and on which 

 he should exercise his discretion, in the first instance ; but we under- 

 stand that the Architect, regarding the successfid achievement of the 

 work confided to the Commissioners as his primary object (in which 

 we cannot suificiently express our respect for his high sense of official 

 duty), would not object to furnish his plans and specifications, in the 

 first place, in order that competent archaeological advice should be 

 taken on his proposals, before fijially settling the working instructions. 



A 4. We are of opinion that such advice might be taken with 

 advantage, not only in the fii'st instance, but as often as occasion 

 might arise. An archaeologist familiar with the characteristic features 

 and history of a building, might be able to point out facte of value in 

 determining many points of uncertainty : as, for example, where 

 sculptured fragments of uncertain origin may be found in the course 

 of operations, of sufficient importance to call for replacement ; or, 

 where ancient plans or drawings may exist, showing what were the 

 forms of particular parts now too much effaced by time to explain 

 themselves. We are also of opinion that any suggestions calculated 

 to diminish the loss of picturesque beauty, incident to repairs of ruined 

 masoniy, would be worthy of consideration, and might be invited Avith 

 advantage. 



B 1. As to the buildings remaining in the charge of the Chnrch 

 Temporalities Commissioners : it appears to the Council, as at present 

 advised, that The Irish Church Act, 1869, does not contemplate the 

 preservation out of the surplus property of the late Established Church 

 of any such edifices, save those treated_as l^ational Monuments and 

 placed in the charge of the Commissioners of Public Works. 



B 2. We are not informed, nor have we means of learning without 

 official communications on which we have no authority to enter, what 

 structures have been, or are proposed to be treated as JS^ational Monu- 

 ments ; but we entertain a decided ojDinion that, whatever determina- 

 tion may be come to regarding other structui'es, all the ecclesiastical 

 Bound Towers affected by The Irish Church Act, 1869, wherever not 

 vested in the Bepresentative Body of the Church of Ireland, ought 

 (with their associated structui-es, where they exist), to be regarded as 

 IS^ational Monuments, and vested in the Commissioners of Works for 

 repair and preservation. 



