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society. Each member, on his admission, paid a very moderate subscription. The objects which were especially cultivated were History, Poetry and Oratory: examinations were held every quarter. On these occasions, the candidates for historical honours underwent a long and strict examination in Ancient and Modern History. At this time, also, the compositions in poetry were read carefully and compared, and the members who had exerted their powers in oratory, on the subjects discussed at the weekly meetings, had their claims likewise laid before the society; and each, in turn, was taken by ballot. Every successful candidate was presented by the chairman with a silver medal appended to a white ribbon; on the medal was an inscription stating the subject for which it was obtained, with the name of the pos

sessor.

At the opening of the society's session in October, and on closing it in July, there was always a speech delivered from the chair, by one of the most distinguished members, who for his exertions received the remarkable thanks of the society; but when this speech proved to be very superior in taste and composition, and was delivered in a corresponding style, the orator was honoured with a gold medal, and sometimes they requested him to publish the oration. The society had purchased a good collection of books suitable to their purposes: to this stock they continued to make additions annually from their surplus fund.

In 1792, the first of its vicissitudes befel this society. In that year, the last but two of Provost Hutchinson's life, the Board wished to interfere with their proceedings on a particular occasion, but that the members would not submit to; the Board then met, and by a resolution dissolved the society in college. The formation of the once intern society in 1794, and the dissolution of the extern society in 1806, have already been mentioned; also the dissolution of the new intern society in 1815, and finally its resuscitation in 1844, with every appearance of its permanency: for although past time cannot be recalled, yet as past errors may

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by possibility be repeated, the real friends of this very interesting and useful society have every hope and confidence, that past experience, and consequently those just and rational views of the true position which it should maintain in the University, will be a sufficient guarantee against any recurrence of those mistakes by which its utility was checked, and its very existence long held in abeyance. We use this term advisedly, for it appears that, although twice under the ban of college authority, it always preserved a real existence, as we find by the speeches delivered at the openings and closings of various sessions, which have come into our hands occasionally". (The society had chambers out of College.) We very much regret not being able to obtain copies of all those orations", but from those which we have seen, we are decidedly of opinion, that the true spirit of practical improvement in history, poetry, and oratory, which characterized the Historical Society in its most palmy days, has always, like the "sacred fire," been

a

Only two of those publications are now in the author's hands, namely, that of W. Archer Butler, delivered at the closing of the session of 1834-5; and that of William Ribton, on opening the session 1835-6; both these were justly honoured by the thanks of the society.

b The author had several of these speeches, but having lent the greater part of them, has not the advantage of them at present. He greatly regrets that one of these publications, a debate on the propriety of abolishing the punishment of death, has got out of his hands; it was sent to him as "Secretary to the Society for Diffusing Information on the Criminal Code." The debate was a most interesting one, and displayed the true spirit of justice combined with humanity.

Well aware of the capabilities and integrity of the judges to whose examination their works were to be submitted, the members would not venture to deliver a hasty speech, or produce a composition not maturely considered. Their close reading and examination of all the available authorities, gave them habits of industry; it extended their knowledge whilst it concentrated their ideas; it drew them from the paths of unmeaning levity and enervating pleasure, to those of quiet mental exertion and invigorating knowledge. Within this sanctuary were developed and exercised the early efforts of talent that in mature years have shone conspicuous in the senate, the pulpit, at the bar, and in the field of military renown, as the names of Magee, Moore, Wellington, Spencer, Hutchinson, Plunket, Curran, Doyle, Donoghmore, Wellesley, Bushe, and others fully testify.

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kept alive-nourished, unquestionably, by the remembrance of

"the mighty dead,

That rule us from their urns."

Transferred, therefore, as this noble and ennobling spirit will be, into the renovated system of the society, we cannot hesitate to believe, that it will prepare and send forth into public life numerous men of cultivated talents, who will prove themselves to be the legitimate and worthy successors of "the great departed," whom they so wisely emulate, and whose memories are enrolled amongst the imperishable records of Fame.

SECTION II.

When the old Chapel and Hall were taken down in 1796, a large space which they occupied was left open in the range of brick buildings parallel to the front, and which separated the Parliament Square from the Library Square. In this space it was intended to erect a triumphal arch of the Doric order, with side passages. This arch was to have supported a square tower with four circular-headed windows, ornamented with Corinthian columns and pilasters surmounted by colossal urns. In this tower was to have been placed the great bell, (which is considered to be the finest in Ireland,) and the clock. The whole edifice was to have been finished with a lofty obelisk of an octagonal form; but this design is quite given up.

The old Library Square has merged in the Parliament Square; it was 270 feet long by 220 feet broad, bounded on three sides by brick buildings, except the opening above mentioned: the south side was formed by the north face of the library. The brick buildings in this square were eighteen in number, capable of accommodating sixteen pupils each: at No. 32, were the rooms which Dodwell and afterwards Oliver Goldsmith occupied. These have recently been pulled

a A set of chambers in this building was allotted to the late Sydney Taylor, and George Downes, on their obtaining the foundation scholarships; and in these chambers were wont to assemble of an