Annual Meeting. 35 



such a pleasant function, for his friendship with Mr. Young began 

 during his college days, and had continued without a break ever 

 since. In now presenting, on behalf of the members of the 

 Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, the picture of 

 his father to Mr. Young, he (Sir John) would like in the name of 

 each subscriber to thank very warmly Mrs. Normand for the 

 beautiful painting she had given them, which in every respect was 

 a most excellent piece of work, and which was well worthy of her 

 widely-recognized reputation as one of the most gifted artists of 

 the present day. 



The Chairman then unveiled the portrait amid applause. 

 Mr. Young is shown sitting in a thoughtful mood, with clasped 

 hands, before a vase of flowers. The kindly and cultured 

 features are admirably brought out, and there is an ease about the 

 entire painting which is delightful. There are attractions in the 

 background such as an open window, plush curtains, and an 

 avenue of trees. On a plate attached to a massive gilt frame the 

 following inscription has been engraved : — " Right Honourable 

 Robert Young, president of Belfast Natural History and Philo- 

 sophical Society, 1877-9. Presented by the members to his son, 

 Robert M. Young, honorary secretary 1885-1911." 



Mr. Young's Reply. 



Mr. R. M. Young, in accepting the portrait, said he was 

 quite overwhelmed by the kindly way in which the Chairman had 

 referred to his services on behalf of the Society. During the 

 time he had been their secretary the Council of the Society had 

 always been most ready and eager to give him all the assistance 

 in their power, and this had made his duties comparatively light. 

 Anything he had done for the organization was a mere nothing 

 compared with what he would have liked to do. He was greatly 

 touched by the form which the presentation had taken because 

 of the deep affection which he had for his father, and this portrait 

 would convey to all who might see it a faithful idea of the man 

 ^s he actually was. His father had had a long connection with 



