1893-94-3 55 



the history of the earth's surface and the formation of rocks and 

 the different ages, with the geological sub-divisions, illustrating 

 his remarks by large diagrams and an enormous collection of 

 rock specimens ; in fact, it is doubtful if a finer collection was 

 ever brought together in the Museum. Throughout his lecture 

 he was frequently applauded, and at the termination Mr. Gray 

 invited all present to come up to the large table and carefully 

 examine the varied samples used by him in illustration of his 

 lecture. The President, F. W. Lockwood, C.E. ; John Hamil- 

 ton, and S. F. Milligan, M.RI.A., made some remarks and 

 asked a few questions. The following members were then 

 elected : — Rev. Charles Coade, M.A., LL.D. ; James Coghlan, 

 T. W. Foster, M.A. ; P. Murray, Samuel Blythe, and Rev. 

 James Maconaghie, B.A. (Cliftonville Avenue). 



A meeting was held on the 16th January, the President in 

 the chair, when three communications were brought before the 

 meeting. 



John M. Dickson read the following paper on " Relative 

 Antiquity of Rath, Cromleac and Burial Tumulus : as evidenced 

 by some Ancient Remains near Dromore, Co. Down." 



Mr. Dickson said — Ireland is th? home of enigmas ; there 

 has always been an Irish question. The land, indeed, bristles 

 with questions, and nowhere more thickly than in the field of 

 archaeology. To the solution of these questions, Irish anti- 

 quarians have devoted much patient labour ; and while we 

 must admire the enthusiasm, the industry, and perseverance 

 they have displayed in their investigations, we must also regret 

 sometimes that the only good quality they seemed to lack, was 

 that cardinal virtue of all enquirers, to wit, scepticism. 



When we consider how difficult it often is, even with our 

 facilities for collecting and circulating intelligence, to learn the 

 exact truth about matters occurring, say a mile off last week, 

 we can better estimate the value of the legendary traditions of 

 a distant and superstitious age. 



