270 Royal Irish Academy. 



Since the publication of the last Eeport, the Academy's Todd Pro- 

 fessor of the Celtic Languages has delivered his second set of lectures. 

 His first set, containing an edition (text, translation, and notes) of the 

 Mesca JJlad, is now ready, and will he laid on the table this evening. 



The third series, it is expected, will be delivered after the Easter 

 recess. 



In reference to the Annals of Ulster, the Council, having recom- 

 mended to the Grovernment Mr. W. M. Hennessy as the fitting editor 

 of that work, have to report that this recommendation received the 

 sanction of the Government in June, 1883 ; and, accordingly, Mr. 

 Hennessy has been engaged during the past year in the preparation of 

 the work for publication, which will shortly be begun. 



During the past year more than 500 objects have been added 

 to the collections in the Museum, comprising numerous flint and 

 stone implements, bronze weapons, cinerary urns, glass and amber 

 beads, and ornaments of gold. Many of these objects are of con- 

 siderable antiquarian value, notably, a symmetrically-formed whet- 

 stone found, in 1882, near Murrisk Abbey, Co. Mayo, of silicious grit, 

 of unusual size and beautifully mounted in bronze ; a torque of gold, 

 of large dimensions ; a lunula of the same metal, in fine preservation, 

 and two unique circular gold boxes, remarkable for ingenuity of work- 

 manship and the archaic character of their ornamentation. These 

 valuable objects were found about 40 years ago in the vicinity of 

 Mullingar, together with a few others also of gold, but of less import- 

 ance. 



The former glazed roof of the reading-room has been replaced by 

 one of more solid construction, and various minor repairs effected. 



During the past session Cunningham Medals were awarded to 

 the following gentlemen : — To Professor Ed. Perceval "Wright, m.d. 

 for his original researches in JS'atural Science ; and to Mr. J. Birming- 

 ham, for his Astronomical observations. 



These awards having met the cordial approbation of the Academy, 

 the Medals were presented by the President, who conveyed the senti- 

 ments of the Academy in an interesting statement, in which he briefly 

 reviewed the works which had earned for their authors this honour- 

 able distinction. 



