34 [Proc B. N. F. C, 



whom information might be imparted. The records of the 

 Natural History Society, and our own, amply testify to the 

 contrary, as some of the most valuable papers brought forward 

 from time to time were those of the College professors. Nor 

 were the services of these gentlemen confined to contributions 

 to societies established for the study of scientific subjects, for 

 the references I have already made to public lectures delivered, 

 show that they have been ever ready to aid in that direction. 



The great Exhibition of 185 1 called attention to the educa- 

 tional facilities of our own country as compared with others, 

 and with a view to extend them, and to advance scientific and 

 artistic knowledge throughout the country, in order that our 

 manufactures might successfully compete with those of other 

 nations, we find the Government Department of Science and 

 Art established in 1852. It was not, however, until 1859 or 

 i860 that the operations of the Department were extended to 

 Belfast. It was, I believe, in the Winter of the former, or 

 Spring of the latter year that a course of most interesting 

 lectures on Geology were delivered in the Music Hall by 

 Professor J. Beete Jukes, then engaged upon the Geological 

 Survey of Ireland. 



This course was arranged for by the "Committee of Lectures, 

 Dublin Castle," the local arrangements being looked after by 

 a Belfast committee, who, if I mistake not, were the prime 

 movers in the matter. The course was concluded by a field 

 excursion to the Cave Hill, conducted by Professor Jukes, and 

 attended by some 300 or 400 persons. Soon after, the Depart 

 ment held an examination in the subjects of Geology and 

 Mineralogy, the place of examination being what was then 

 known as the Gallery of Art, at the corner of Donegall Place 

 and Castle Street, and which now forms part of Messrs. Ander- 

 son and M'Auley's premises. The interest awakened by 

 Professor Jukes' lectures was maintained by the preparation 

 for the examinations, and the subsequent award of valuable 

 prizes to the successful candidates. In the following year a 

 course was delivered by Professor Hodges, also under the 

 Dublin Committee, and a similar examination was held at its 

 close. 



