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| QUEEN'S COLLEGE, CORK. -The above institution or learning was erected under provision of an act of the British Parliament, in 1849. Similar colleges, erected under the same auspices, were founded, about the same time, the Belfast and Galway. As they are entirely secular, their establishment was somewhat bitterly opposed by the late Archbishop McHale, of Tuam, and other leading Catholic prelates of the period, but most of the Irish people seemed apathetic in regard to the matter, and those of them who sympathized with Young Ireland, and a higher education, favored the new colleges. They have undoubtedly, done a certain amount of good, but their curriculum does not include much that is healthily Irish in sentiment. One of the most distinguished Irishmen of the day, Mr. Thomas Power O'Connor, member of the British Parliament, journalist and author, graduated from Queen's College at Galway. The Cork establishment, shown in the sketch, is situated in the western suburb of the city, and is built on an eminence which overlooks the river Lee. Where it now stands once stood the ancient university at Gill Abbey, whose fame is now a mere tradition. The college contains a very fine library-one of the best in Ireland-and the mineralogical and geological collections in the museum are considered very interesting and valuable. The grounds are tastefully kept, with greenhouses, parterres and grottoes. There is also an excellent astronomical observatory. The people are freely admitted to the grounds at reasonable hours. |
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