1877-1878-] 3°9 



possession of the family and descendants of William Penn, founder 

 of Pennsylvania, and bears an excellent autograph of that eminent 

 man, dated 1690^, 2010., 2. Mr. Radley also contributed a 

 monograph on the famous Rosetta stone now in the British 

 Museum, the discovery of which gave the key to the reading of 

 the Egyptian hieroglyphics. An autograph letter from .Wellington, 

 containing some severe strictures on the outrages committed by 

 the British troops on their retreat from Burgos was also exhibited. 

 It is dated November 20, 1812. This valuable document is care- 

 fully protected by a neat framing of glass, fitting into leather case, 

 and was kindly sent in by David Cunningham, Esq. The President 

 (Rev. Dr. Macllwaine, M.R.I. A.) showed a volume of facsimiles of 

 ancient Irish manuscripts ; also a richly-carved bog oak walking- 

 stick, and revolving stereoscope. 



Mr. W. H. Phillips contributed several varieties of the common 

 native fern, Blechnum spicant, collected by him in the immediate 

 neighbourhood, the varietal peculiarities of which are well marked. 



A series of Nature-printed ferns, illustrating many rare and 

 curious forms, and printed by a new process from the plants them- 

 selves, was shown by the same gentleman ; also three live speci- 

 mens of the common English toad — a reptile non-resident in 

 Ireland. Mr. Greer Malcomson sent in a number of growing 

 ferns, which were much admired, and greatly enhanced the beauty 

 of the rooms. 



