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collection of material to be sifted by properly trained philologists and mythologists?

And lastly, we picture to ourselves a time when fresh fields will be opened up by the alumni of our new National University, fields which have hitherto been undeveloped and untrodden. True, great discoveries do not generally proceed from Universities themselves, for a University serves a different purpose. Its office is to communicate rather than to originate, and genius knows no law. Yet a preliminary training and unfolding of the intellect is necessary. And this brings me back to the point which I emphasised at the beginning, when talking of liberal or philosophical education. The highest ideal of teaching is that which leads the pupil along lines which an original discoverer has to pursue in his researches.' And does not Wales lend itself to the godlike gift of origination? Is there not an abundance of romance in Welsh chronicles, only awaiting a Welsh Walter Scott in the future to enter in and inherit it? Is there not a heap of material in the story of Welsh lifeas some of our budding novelists have discovered-in the mansion and the homestead, lying ready to the hand skilled in the art of characterisation ?

But I must bring this discussion to a close. When I regard the advantages enjoyed by the youth of Wales, never dreamt of in generations gone by, and the fields that are open to their ambition and energies, I am amazed. Ladies and gentlemen, to whatever branch of study the Welsh student betakes himself-whether literary or scientific-he is a happy man, and I believe he will use his opportunities to the full. I may have said something that may perhaps be construed as derogatory-it is strange how your familiar friends nowadays will put false interpre

1 Sonnenschein, Ideals of Culture.

tations and ascribe meanings and motives that you utterly repudiate-but I have said nothing but what is dictated by a desire to promote the welfare of Wales. I rejoice that the aspirations of my countrymen after education have been realised. I cannot forget the laudable love of knowledge and enlightenment that they have exhibited. I cannot forget their quickness of apprehension and impressibility, the vivacity of the Welsh temperament, the liveliness of Welsh writing, the perception of the beauties of nature, the poetic conception, the descriptive power, the luxuriance of style, the vigour of imagination. Seeing this happy combination of natural gifts and acquired qualities, the hope is kindled within me, no, the conclusion is irresistibly forced upon me, that this passionate enthusiasm and Celtic fire will increase in intensity, will burn with a yet brighter glow, and redound to the greater glory of our common country.

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FIG. 1. LATE SIXTEENTH CENTURY HOUSE AT ABERTHUN, COWBRIDGE.

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