8 Annual Meeting. 



Mr. J. H. Davies was selected, and for Hon. Secretary Mr. R. M. 

 Young, B.A., J.P., M.R.I.A. 



To their Most Gracious Majesties Edward VII., by the grace of 

 God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 

 King, and Queen Alexandra. 

 May it please your Majesties — In the name and on behalf of 

 the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, we, the 

 members of Council, desire to express the pleasure and satisfaction 

 we so cordially feel at your Majesties' visit to Ulster, and to offer 

 our most respectful and sincere welcome to the city of Belfast. 

 We fully recognise the importance of your Majesties' Royal 

 progress through Ireland, and entertain the most sincere conviction 

 that it will be productive of much permanent good to our country. 

 Our Society was formed in 182 1 for the cultivation of geology, 

 botany, and mineralogy in all their branches, more especially the 

 investigation of the natural history and antiquities of Ireland. In 

 later years our efforts have been more especially directed to the 

 advance of science and the spread of knowledge among the 

 people. We cannot but feel encouraged to greater zeal by 

 observing the practical interest your Majesties take in the social 

 and intellectual improvement of your subjects, and the encourage- 

 ment your Majesties accord to the progress of scientific research 

 at home and abroad. In conclusion, we would again assure your 

 Majesties of our devotion to your Majesties and to all the members 

 of the Royal family. Wishing your Majesties long life and every 

 prosperity, we have the honour to remain your Majesties' most 

 humble, loyal, and devoted servants. 



(Signed on behalf of the Belfast Natural History and Philo- 

 sophical Society.) 



Johnson Symington, President. 

 Robert M. Young, Secretary. 



