1913-1914.] 2 g 



the infinite azure of the past," but one thing we do not forget is 

 the work done by the Club in preparing that Handbook, which 

 not only was a handbook for a considerable portion of the 

 Antiquities of the North of Ireland, but which acted for the 

 society of which I have now the honour to be President as a 

 model example. I am also glad to be associated through my own 

 Department with the foundation of the Club. I can, at least, 

 have that little reflected glory, although I have no share in it. I 

 desire this opportunity to say in connection with the study of 

 Archaeology and the forming of archaeological collections, how 

 much we in Dublin are in sympathy with you here in Belfast. I 

 am sure the members of the Club are interested in the formation 

 of the collection of Irish Antiquities in the Museum in Belfast, 

 and lately in London I had the pleasure of being a partner in 

 obtaining things for Ireland with a gentleman from Belfast, who 

 purchased for the Belfast Museum. I hope that that fellowship 

 will continue, and however we may be divided, there is no doubt 

 when higher studies are concerned we are only one. It is with a 

 feeling of such sympathy I come here to-day to speak on behalf 

 of my own organisation. 



Mr. Wm. Gray said : — Mr. President — I cordially respond to 

 the invitation I have received to attend this important anniversary 

 of our Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. I am glad to do so, as one 

 of the members of the Committee of the year 1864-65. I 

 am standing happily between the two Secretaries of that 

 year, who were my immediate predecessors in that important 

 office. I have not promised a formal address, but I may be 

 reasonably expected to say something, and first of all I must note 

 I am called on to follow Count Plunkett, the distinguished 

 President of the Royal Society of the Antiquaries of Ireland ; of 

 which I am the oldest living member, and I most heartily welcome 

 him, with all the Delegates of the other societies who have 

 honoured us by there presence to-day. We are proud of old 



