395 



of our archaeologists are so unremitting, and that not a month passes 

 without some addition being made to our treasures of ancient art, and to 

 our knowledge of antiquity. The most important of these discoveries 

 is due to the excavations of Mr. Conwell in the neighbourhood of Old- 

 castle, under the patronage of the patriotic James Naper, of Loughcrew. 



The state of the Museum is most satisfactory. The excellent " Cata- 

 logue Eaisonne," which has been compiled and published under the 

 care of Sir William Wilde, has extended the sphere of our operations, by 

 diffusing an accurate knowledge of the specimens in our Museum, and 

 spread throughout the scientific world, both at home and abroad, an in- 

 creasing interest in these subjects. I understand that the sales have co- 

 vered the expense of the publication incurred by the Academy, and that 

 this great and laborious work, of which its accomplished author may be 

 justly proud, will soon be completed. 



It has been suggested that a permanent director of the Museum is 

 much required. I fully agree in the propriety of the suggestion ; and 

 I trust that the Committee of Antiquities will lose no time in maturing 

 a proposition to this effect. Our Library is also most valuable. The 

 collection of Irish Manuscripts is unrivalled. The want of a proper 

 catalogue has been long felt, but I am sure that our Librarian will 

 leave no stone unturned to put it in a proper state. I am rejoiced 

 to hear that the services of a competent transcriber have been se- 

 cured. 



In conclusion, let us all singly and collectively work together to 

 strengthen the hands of your Council and the Committees in their great 

 work. We are, in a great measure, free from those jealousies and 

 heartburning which are so fatal to the prosperity of our land. Let us 

 continue to present a bright example of what can be done by a cordial 

 union and co-operation of all classes, all parties, and all creeds, to heal 

 the wounds of our beloved country, to diffuse a wholesome spirit of in- 

 quiry into all matters of scientific interest, to elevate the character of 

 our literature, to discountenance those opinions which in some countries 

 degrade man as a responsible and intellectual being, convert knowledge 

 from being a blessing into a curse, sap the morals of the people, and 

 discourage the efforts of those who are disposed to promote the true in- 

 terests of their fellow- subjects. Let us not despair of the future of 

 Ireland, but trust, with the blessing of God, to see it a free, happy, and 

 united land. 



It was moved by the Yery Eev. C. Graves, D. D., and seconded by 

 the Eight Hon. the Lord Chancellor ; and 



Eesolved, — That the President be requested to allow the Address 

 now read to be printed, and circulated among the members of the Aca- 

 demy. 



The following paper, by Mr. John Casey, A. B., Sch. Trin. Coll. 

 Dublin, was read : 



