3° 



[Proc. B.N.F.C., 



Ireland, particularly proud of the sphere of our operations, and all 

 its attractions, which have a European, if not a world-wide 

 reputation in Literature, Art, and Science. To trace its history 

 would require us to go back to creation's dawn ; its productions in 

 Arts and Manufactures were the guide of Europe. The first 

 visitors who ever came to Ireland found its inhabitants, as busy 

 manufacturers of flint and stone implements and weapons, well 

 skilled in their effective use. We are told that mechanics were 

 employed to adjust the geological features as at the Causeway, 

 and you may be shown a quarry near Portrush, where students 

 were prepared to construct the columns of the Causeway, so that 

 this may be considered the first technical school in Europe. St. 

 Patrick, we know, took an interest in Zoology, for tradition tells 

 us " He gave the toads and snakes a twist, and banished all the 

 serpents." So that Geology and Zoology, in which so many of 

 you are distinguished experts, are no new subjects of inquiry in 

 the North of Ireland. You will be conducted by members of the 

 Club over many marked physical features, that no doubt arrested 

 the attention of primitive man, and prompted him to establish 

 settlements here, coeval with the dwellers of Kent's cave, or the 

 early races whose works are found in the sands and gravels of 

 Central and Southern France. We wish your excursions in the 

 North of Ireland every possible success. 



Sir Charles H. Brett said : — Mr. Chairman, ladies and 

 gentlemen — It came to me by surprise to be called on to say a 

 few words. I was happy to see that my name was not on the list 

 of speakers, and I have asked the Chairman's permission to leave, 

 as I have a business appointment which takes me away. I was 

 never a very active member of the Club, but I have always taken 

 great interest in it. I was one of the earliest secretaries, but I don't 

 really remember how many years I held this post. I was not able 

 to give very much time to it owing to other activities, but as I have 

 said, I have always taken the greatest interest in the Club and 



