Mimifes of Proceedings. 323 



■would be enabled to stimulate in their countrymen a sense of the- 

 dignity of mutual exertion, and to promote the national prosperity by 

 the application of scientific knowledge ; and he adds the expression of 

 a truth which is now more widely recognized than at that time, that 

 no one science is so little connected with the rest as not to afford many 

 principles the use of which may extend considerably beyond the 

 science to which they primarily belong. "While thus the practical 

 side of the functions of this institution has been kept in view, there 

 has been, on the other hand, no lack of recognition of the importance 

 of cultivating a high ideal, the purpose being, in short, to bring out 

 and to maintain all that is purest and most ennobling both in science 

 and art. And no more conspicuous example of your efforts need be 

 quoted, than that which is to be found in the discovery and preserva- 

 tion in your museum of those exquisite pieces of design and workman- 

 ship, which are the productions of the native art of your own renowned 

 island. This Academy, gentlemen, had at the outset, the advantage 

 of the countenance and support of the Monarch who then occupied the 

 throne of this Empire, and it has now for many years enjoyed the 

 distinction and great benefit of having at its head and patron the 

 illustrious Sovereign who has been ever ready to encourage the 

 liberal arts ; and it is to me a cause of peculiar gratification to have 

 the privilege of reading a letter containing a message which will be 

 received by you with profound appreciation. It is as follows : — 



' "WiNDsoE Castle, 



'May 10, 1886. 

 * Deab Loed Abeedeen, 



' I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will 

 convey to the Members of the Eoyal Irish Academy Her Majesty's 

 congratulations on the completion of a century of its existence, and 

 her best wishes for its future prosperity. 



' Yours very truly, 



' Heket Ponsonbt.' 



"We may have the satisfaction of feeling that that cordial missive is no 

 mere matter of phraseology, but that it indicates a hearty and kindly 

 sympathy, such as we know Her Majesty eviaces in any work cal- 

 culated to benefit her subjects, and for the promotion of their good. 



36 a 



