Round Towers of Ireland." In this very excellent paper, Mr. Forrester 

 gave a synopsis of the various opinions held as to the origin of those 

 remarkable edifices, and described in detail the peculiar features of the 

 most important and perfect towers. A most animated debate followed the 

 reading of the paper, and so much interest was excited as to justify the 

 introduction of the subject again at a future meeting. 



On the 15th March, Mr. Plimmer introduced a paper on the " Footsteps 

 of Philosophy." He traced the rise and progress of science from the 

 fifteenth to the nineteenth century, and reviewed the history and deeds of 

 the most prominent scientific men, drawing a contrast between the mental 

 and material light of the present clay, and the darkness of the middle ages, 

 and pointed out how frequently great results followed small beginnings ; 

 illustrating this by shewing how chemistry had its origin in the alchemy 

 of the earlier ages, and how great discoveries in science were made by men 

 whose first efforts were so often looked upon by the unscientific as useless, 

 if not foolish. 



The last paper for the Session, on " Marine Algse," was prepared by Dr. 

 Holden, and was brought before the Club on 22nd March last. 



Dr. Holden dwelt on the " Marine Algse," as respects their organization, 

 distribution, and economic value. He explained the peculiarities which 

 distinguished "sea weeds" from other cryptogams, and from aquatic 

 phanerogamia. 



Interesting particulars were given as to the extensive use formerly made 

 in Britain of these members of the great family of plants, and of their 

 present value, which is still considerable, the chemist having yet to 

 resort to these, as the exclusive source of some substances of very great 

 importance in medicine and in the arts. 



Reference was further made to the vast importance of our sea weeds in 

 the economy of nature, oxygenating, as they do, the waters of- the sea, 

 and restoring by their chemical action the balance of conditions which 

 countless myriads of animal forms tend to destroy. It was thus shewn 

 that these humble plants are of direct use to man by the substances they 

 elaborate, and which the chemist extracts, and also indirectly they benefit 

 man vastly by rendering habitable ocean's deepest depths. 



The Anmial Conversazione of the Club was held in the rooms of the 

 Museum, College Square North, on Thursday, the 26thApril. The Committee 

 have great pleasure in being able to state that the Conversazione gave every 

 satisfaction, and fully rewarded the anxiety, trouble, and expense incurred 

 in getting it up. Owing to the general response given to the invitations 

 issued, the attendance was numerous, and included nearly all who are in- 

 terested in the advancement and study of science in Belfast, and several 

 representatives from the scientific societies of the adjoining towns. The 

 Committee thankfully acknowledge the kindness of those members and 

 friends who lent objects of scientific interest for exhibition, particularly to 

 Mr. David Wilson, of Ballymony, Mr. Paisley, of Carrickfergus, and the 

 Rev. Mr. M'llwaine, of Belfast, for the valuable contributions of archaeolo- 

 gical objects ; and to M. R. Dalway, Esq., J.P., for the specimens of the 

 strata passed through in the shaft sunk in search of salt near Carrickfergus. 

 Also to Dr. Hodges, and Professor Purser, of the Queen's College, and Messrs. 

 Ward, Wilson, Scott, Moore, and Magill, for the scientific instruments, 

 artistic productions, and other objects which they so liberally supplied. 



The Committee would direct the attention of the members to the prizes 

 offered for collection in the several departments. For the past year there 

 was not as much competition for those prizes as there might have been, 

 and Mr. Donaldson was awarded the only prize competed for, for the best 

 collection of phanerogamie plants. 



In conclusion, the Committee would hand over the interests of the Club 

 to their successors, with every prospect of increasing vitality, and exten- 

 ding usefulness. 



W. H. FERGUSON, ) _ M „„ 

 WILLIAM GRAY, j U0K ' SK0, 



