Take, again, the Sydenham Palace-what has the Commission done, or what does it contemplate doing for that? Nothing, but harm and injury, though I do not say that these are inflicted intentionally. Whatever may be asserted to the contrary, the public regard the promised institution at Gore House as an unfair opposition to Sydenham. They consider that the Crystal Palace Company, having established its enterprise on a commercial basis, and so far gone on hopefully and prosperously, ought not to be exposed to the disadvantage of competition with a body, composed of all the greatest names in the state, and starting with such a windfall as the shilling surplus. It will be said that this is not a rival scheme-that in building on the ruins of the Symposium, the Royal Commission do not intend to hang up in front of their new premises, the usual flaring announcement, "No connexion with the shop over the way." No, one, however, is deceived by such representations, and manufacturers, wise in their generation, are at this moment holding back from the Crystal Palace, because they see "two strings to their bow." I say, that instead of thus perilling the success of the Sydenhamn undertaking, already sufficiently endan gered by internal difficulties, the Royal Commission ought to take an active interest in its welfare, remembering that after spending a million of money in a grand experiment, if that experiment fails, many years must elapse before the improvement of popular tastes upon a self-supporting basis is again attempted. Lastly, I would ask, as a member of the Society, what the Royal Commission has done for any of those objects which during the last three years we have been engaged in promoting? Has it conferred, either on the Society or on the Institutions connected with it, a single important benefit? Will it help us in our efforts to improve education? Will it even aid us, in this Centenary Session, in getting premises suitable to our increased wants and usefulness. One advantage of the Society's Journal is, that through its columns bodies like the Royal Commission, which are too stately to be useful, may be told the truth. Corporations, we are told, have no conscience, but truth finds them out notwithstanding; and as the albatro-s was hung round the neck of the ancient mariner, who shot him "with his cross-bow," so the shilling surplus of the people," unless some change" be got out of it, will hang for many a day as a reproach on certain great reputations. DELTA. CHARCOAL RESPIRATORS. Sir,-Since reading a paper descriptive of charcoal respirators about a month ago before the Society of Arts, I have ascertained that ordinary wood charcoal is even more efficacious, as an absorbent and oxidizer of vapourous sub stances than animal charcoal. was evolved, a quantity of water was produced, and the Proceedings of Institutions. BATTERSEA.-Mr. C. Charles delivered his second lecture on Burlesque, at the Literary and Scientific Institute, on Tuesday evening, having given the first on the 21st ult. In entering on his subject, the lecturer intimated that burlesque was not identical with the ridiculous; but, unlike the latter, it had its legitimate restrictions. Shakspeare's burlesque, he considered, exemplified more by characterization, and the burlesque of the present day more by caricature. He cited instances of real and unintententional burlesque in more worlds than the world of letters; and remarked upon the good and ill results attending its use and abuse. He stated that burlesque, in its censorial capacity, should always sustain its good humour, as well as its wit and humour; and, further, urged the exercise of more good humour in the business of life itself, deprecating all affectations of gravity. He extolled the moral and medical virtues of mirth, when it did not outsport discretion"-advocated cheerfulness in all things, as the mainstay of all social affectionsand recommended the expulsion of all austerity from the school-room. In the multiform illustration of his subject, Mr. Charles exhibited surprising aptitude, versatility, and skill in vocal transition. He has a clear musical voice, which was tastefully displayed in his parodies. He adapted imitations of popular comedians and of humorous brogues, with a felicity not common to such pretensions. The illustrations were free from buffoonery, but a vein of characteristic humour was imparted to them, which elicited expressions of approbation. HIGHGATE.-The annual meeting of the members of the Literary and Scientific Institution was held on Wednesday, the 8th of March. The report of the Committee of Management stated that there was now a total number of 207 subscribers, including 9 life and honorary members, 114 annual members, and 84 associates; the annual members pay one guinea, the associates some ten and some five shillings annum. per The management of the Institution is vested exclusively in the members, but, with this exception, the associates have all the privileges of members. The number of volumes in the Library at the close of the year was 2990; the circulation of the year had Some parties are, I understand, disposed to question the been 3,970 volumes. The treasurer's statment of Receipts accuracy of my statements, viz; Istly. That charcoal has and Expenditure was highly satisfactory; the receipts had the power of absorbing and condensing oxygen within its been £216 7s., so that a balance of £24 9. 7d., due to the pores; and 2ndly, that it greatly facilitates the oxidation treasurer at last audit, had been repaid. The following of many easily alterable substances, organic and inorganic. lectures, &c., were delivered during the year :-Mr. T. C. -I would request the attention of such individuals to the Bakewell," On the Electric Telegraph;" Rev. A. Barrett, following short extracts from the sixth edition of Brande's M.A., "On the Unity of the Human Race, and the deManual of Chemistry, at page 446, where it is stated, on velopment of Language; Sir John Bowring, LL.D., the authority of M. Theodore de Saussure, that wood-"On China;" Professor Carpenter, M.D., "On the Recharcoal absorbs 925 times its volume of oxygen gas. Inlation of Instinct to Reason;" Rev. W. H. Carr, M.A., an immediately succeeding paragraph the following Where are our Dramatists;" Rev. Derwent Coleridge, passage also occurs:-"A piece of well-burned charcoal. M.A., "On Poetry;" Mr. L. Gisborne, C.E., "On the cooled under mercury and then introduced into a mixture Canal across the Isthmus of Darien; "Rev. R. Gleig, of oxygen and sulphuretted hydrogen gases rapidly ab- M.A., "On the Duke of Wellington;" Dr. Latham, sorbed them, and then became ignited, and caused ex- F.R.S., "On the Distribution of Languages;" Mr. Geo, plosion. (A. Taylor.)" I have repeated Dr. A. Taylor's Scharf, "On Classic Architecture; "Mr. James Yates. experiment with a slight variation.-A bit of newly- M.A.," On the Barrier Walls of the Roman Empire." (The burned wood charcoal was passed up into dry ammoniacal foregoing Lectures were gratuitous.) Mr. W. Hughes, gas, a large quantity of which it rapidly absorbed. F.R.G.S.," On Physicial Geography;" (Four Lectures.) Musical Entertainment-"An evening with Thomas Hood," by Mr. Parsons. The charcoal was then introduced into a jar of oxygen. Intense chemical action immediately ensued, much heat KELVEDON.-The third annual meeting of the Literary Institution was held on Friday week. Mr. T. B. Western presiced, and opening the proceedings with some remarks upon the flourishing condition and favourable prospects a the institution; expressing a hope that all those who hid the ability to do so, would encourage such in stitutions, as well calculated to afford useful information to those who stood most need of it. Having for several yea's been Chairman at Quarter Sessions held in a neighboaring county, he could speak from experience that for the most part the criminals brought under his notice could neither read nor write, showing that ignorance is the high road to crime, and offering a strong inducement for al to exert themselves in bringing abo it a better state of things. The Honorary Secretary (Mr. E. G. Varenne) then gave a report of the past year's proceedings, congratulating the members upon the fact that their institution, apparently so weakly in the early period of its existence, had reached its fourth year, and now appeared to be growing up in a robust and flourishing condition, with an increased number of members, and a more satisfactory financial position. He expressed regret at the breaking up of the Kelvedon Mutual Instruction Society, which, during its existence, had been of great service in the parish, but was glad its members had united with those of the Literary Institution. After some gen ral observations upon education, the secretary gave a detail of the lectures delivered, and read the financial statement, which showed a small balance in hand. Mr. J. J. Mechi President of the Society, moved the adoption of the report, observing that there existed an urgent necessity for the greater diffusion of useful and scientific knowledge; and unless it were supplied we should be quickly superseded by foreigners in many branches of our industrial pursuits. He was happy to say Kelvedon could boast of her machine-makers and carvers of wood; and he hoped that others would endeavour to excel in their several callings: Mr. Crane seconded the motion, and spoke of the good done by the lower class of schools in Kelvedon. PEMBROKE.-The public meetings for the present year of the Dock Mechanics' Institute were commenced on the 29th of January, with an amateur concert, which proved very successful. On the 7th inst. the Rev. Josephus Williams delivered his second lecture," On Water, as the medium by which the temperature of the earth is regulated." On the 21st inst., the Rev. J. R. Jenkins, of Tenby, delivered a lecture on "The Press and the People." The history of the press in all its phases, its political influence, its moral and intellectual benefits, were severally stated, and the importance of a free press, to which it was believed the high position of England at the present time might be ascribed, was strongly insisted on. MON. TUES. WED. MEETINGS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. London Inst., 7. -Mr. W. H. Monk, " On Chamber Music." Chemical, 8. Entomological, 8. Royal Inst., 3.-Prof. J. Tyndall, "On Heat." Civil Engineers, 8.-1. Mr. C. W Williams, "On the Linnæan, 8. Pathological, 8. London Inst., 2.-Mr. E. W. Brayley, jun., " On Physical Royal Inst.. 3.-Prof. Miller, "On the Chemistry of the Society of Arts, 8.-Adjourned Discussion on " Agricultural Geological, 8.-1. M. Adolphe Schlagnitweit, "On the THURS. Royal Inst., 3.-Prof. Wharton Jones, "On Animal Phy- SESSIONAL PRINTED PAPERS. Delivered on 23rd March, 1854. Par. Numb. Oxford and Cambridge Universities-Correspondence, Part 3, Statistical Abstract for the United Kingdom, 1840 to 1853. ! 44. Local Acts-Reports from the Admiralty. 45. Bills-Judgment, Execution, &c. 51. Bills-Income Tax. Delivered on 25th and 27th March, 1854. 52. Bill-Carlisle Canonries. SESSION 1852-3. (Delivered 24th March.) 1017. Cambridge University-Index to Report of Commissioners. Delivered on 28th March, 1854. SESSION, 1852-3. 41. (1) Indian Territories-Index to Lords' Reports. PATENT LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 1852. APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS AND PROTECTION ALLOWED. [From Gazette, 24th March, 1854.] Dated 17th December, 1853. 2945 J. S. Cockings, Birmingham-Buttons. Dated 21st December, 1853. 2971. J. Jones Glasgow-Propelling vessels. Dated 16th January, 1854. 123. R. Galloway, Lambeth-Furnaces. Dated 19th January, 1854. 399. R. C. J. Prevet, Paris-Paper from plants. Dated 24th February, 1854. 449. B. J. Green, Birmingham-Corrugated elastic materials. 470. E. Chappuis, St Mary Axe-Illuminators. Dated 28th February, 1854. 483. W. Simpson, Maidstone-Soapy product from straw pulp. Dated 4th March, 1854. 525. E. Rowland, Manchester-Bricks or tiles. 529. F. Abate, 21, George street, Hampstead road-Ornamenting surfaces. 531. F. H. Wenham, Effra Vale Lodge, Brixton-Water meter. Dated 6th March, 1854. 535. J. Galloway, Bolton le Moors-Cocks, taps, and valves. 537. S. A. Chapin, Trafalgar square-Purifying smoke and obtaining products theref.om. (A communication.) 539. J. Ronald, Patrick Bank, near Paisley-Printing yarns. 541. J. R. Morton, Oxford street-Lamp shades and reflectors. Dated 7th March, 1854. 645. F. Rixon, Cockspur street-Lowering ships' boats. Dated 8th March, 1854. 547. T. Dunn, Pendleton-Moving engines, &c., from one line of rails to another, and turning them. 551. R. Boyell, Nottingham-Safety guard for prevention of fire. 555. W. S. Losh, Wreay Syke-Decoloring resins. 557. J. Aitken, Longsight, near Manchester-Motive power. 559. J. Brown, 71, Leadenhall street-Swinging furniture, &c. Dated 9th March, 1854. 561. W. W. Good, Moorgate street-Thrashing machines. 563. G. T. Selby, Smethwick-Tubes and pipes. 564. J. H. Johnson, 47, Lincoln's inn fields-Finishing fabrics. (A communication.) 565. W. B. Johnson, Manchester-Strengthening ends of tubes. 2320. Richard Archibald Brooman, of 166, Fleet-sweet-improvements in railways switches. 2418. Alexis Dussuc, of 33, Grove-place, Brompton-Improved machine for digging and cultivating land. 2463. Alfred Vincent Newton, of 66, Chancery-lane-Improved construction of printing press. 2473. Edward Joseph Hughes, of Manchester-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for sewing or stitching. 2494. Richard Archibald Brooman, of 166, Fleet street-Improvements in the manufacture of coloured and ornamented fabrics 2564. William Edward Newton, of 66 Chancery-lane-Improved machinery for crushing ores, and separating therefrom gold' silver, or other metals contained therein. 566. P. A. le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, 4, South street, Finsbury 2570. John Banks Nicklin, of Bartholomew-lane-Improved gelatin-Reaping machine. (A communication.) 567. W. Young, Queen street, Cheapside-Lamps, 568. J. H. Swan, Glasgow-Tuyeres. 569. F. E. S. Garnier, Paris-Preparing flax. 570. H. Lamy, Paris-Preserving animal and vegetable substances. Dated 10th March, 1854. 572. E. A. Desrousseaux, Roubaix-Looms. 573. W. Peace, Haigh, near Wigan-Meter and governor. 574. S. Moseley, Hull-Artificial palates. 575. J. Lawrence, Leeds-Rotatory engine. 576. P. A. le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, 4, South street, Finsbury -Candles. (A communication.) 577. J. Buchanan, Leamington Priors-Communicating motion. 578. W. Day, Beverley-Covered carts. 579. F. and W. Whitehead, Crayford-Raising water, &c. 580. W. Mill, Birmingham-Inkstands. 581. A. V. Newton, 66, Chancery lane-Raised printing surfaces. (A communication.) 582. A. V. Newton, 66, Chancery lane-Purifying gas. (A communication.) 583. D. P. Lefèvre, Paris-Railway brake. 584. Z. Boitteux, Epinal-Machinery for carving. communication. ous or glutinous compounds for lubricating railway and other machinery. 2839. Alfred Vincent Newton, of 66 Chancery-lane-Improvements 3009. John Barnes, of Church-Improvement or improvements in vessels. 120. William Thomas, of Cheapside-Improvements in stays. 182. Samuel Cunliffe Lister, of Manningham-Improvements in Sealed March 29th, 1854. 2231. François Julien Raux, of Montmartre-Improvements in railway brakes. 2237. 610. A. W. Conner, 3, Crooked lanc, Cannon street-Moulding 2277. bricks. John Henry Johnson, of Lincoln's inn Fields-Improvements in apparatus for throwing out ropes or lines, for the better Samuel Leake Worth, of Oxford street, and Agmond Dislim preservation of life and property. (A communication.) Vesey Canavan, of i itzroy street-Invention of an improved polishing and brightening surface. 2309. William Potts, of Birmingham-Improvements in mantel pieces. 2366. Andrew Mc Lean, and William Fraser Rae, both of Edinburgh -Improvements in apparatus for the manufacture of aerated liquids. 2380. Aaguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, of Castle street, Holborn-Certain improvements in the treatment of copper ores. (A communication.) 2404. Emory Rider, of Coleman street-Improvements in the manufacture or treatment of gutta percha, being improvements upon the invention secured to him by letters patent, dated the 20th day of July, 1851. (Partly a communication.) John Wright Child, of Halifax, and Robert Wilson, of Low Moor Iron Works, Yorkshire-Improvements in regulating mo ive power engines. 2198. Charles Alexander, of 373, Albany road, Camberwell-Certain 2408. 2200. Robert Varvill, of 30, High Ousegate, York-Improved mor- Sealed March 25th, 1854. 2210. Joseph Ellisdon, of London-Improvements in chairs, whereby they are rendered more portable, and can be converted into other useful articles of household furniture. 2213. Francis Frederick Clossman, of 16 A, Park-lane, Hyde Park. -The production and application of certain materials to be employed in the manufacture of textile fabrics, and for other purposes. 2217. Issac Bury, of Lower Mosley-street, Manchester, and William Green of Islington-Improvements in treating, stretching, or finishing textile fabrics, and in machinery or apparatus for ●ffecting the same. 2248. Samuel Murland, of Castlewellan-Improvements in machinery for preparing linen yarn. 2280. William Littell Tizard, of Aldgate-Improvements in thermometers, and other like indicators. 2281. John Milner, of Stratford-Improvements in steam engines. Date of Registration. 2457. Jean Baptiste Verdun, of Paris-Improvements in the construction of globes. 2527. Henry Tyi r, of Queen street-Invention of an improved chair Ledstead. 2771. John Carter Ramsden, of Bradford, Yorkshire-Improvements in apparatus, or the mechanism of looms for weaving a certain class of plaids, checks, and fancy woven fabrics. 8. Henry Lee Corlett, of Dublin-improvements in caoutchouc springs for locomotive engines and tenders, railway carriages, and waggons, 150. Cyprien Marie Tessié du Motay, of Paris-Improvements in the manufacture of oil from rosin. 1854. March 25. No. 72. Vol. II.] JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS. [APRIL 7, 1854. Journal of the Society of Arts. putation, and their awards must not be lightly FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1854. EXAMINATIONS OF INSTITUTE CLASSES. given. The Council has reason to believe that the Society can obtain the services of Examiners whose names will command confidence. The details of the Examinations cannot be settled until after the conference of the repre sentatives of the Institutions, in June next. The 3. That every candidate for examination shall have been, for a certain period (say six months), a student of a class in an Institute in Union. THE subject of the Classes for Systematic following is a mere outline, intended to show Instruction in the Institutions in Union with how the plan would work, and to elicit the this Society has long been under the consider-opinions of the Institutions. It is proposed:ation of the Council. In the replies given by 1. That the Examinations be held at least the Institutions to the first circular, addressed to once a year (say in March), at convenient places them by the Council, in March 1852, its attention in different districts, the Institutions in each was especially drawn to this very difficult sub-district being grouped together for the purpose. ject; and it was discussed at the Annual Con- 2. That the examinations be conducted simul. ferences in 1852 and 1858. Much important in-taneously by papers previously prepared by the formation respecting this subject was given to Examiners in London. the Society's late Committee on Industrial Instruction, whose report, with an appendix containing a large amount of valuable correspondence, was published last June.* It appears to be an unanimous opinion that every Institute should have its classes for adult instruction; but this desideratum is at present, in most cases, very difficult, and in many cases impossible, to be attained. Sufficient inducements have not, as yet, been generally given to the members of an Institute to pursue systematic studies in its classes; but it has been suggested that this defect might, in a great measure, be 5. That such worked papers as the Examiners supplied, if stated Examinations, by a Board of may approve of be divided by them into three competent authority, were to present to those classes, according to merit, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; members the stimulus of emulation and competi-and that corresponding certificates be issued to tion, together with the honourable reward of a the successful candidates. diploma or certificate, which might attest the 6. That each certificate state the name and merit of the examined; and that this Society age of the candidate; the total number of lessons might greatly benefit the Institutes by under-given to the class; the number of lessons that he taking the requisite arrangements for the estab- (or she) has attended; the subject, or subjects, lishment of such examinations. on which the candidate was examined; and the result of the examination. 4. That a Local Committee, possessing the confidence of the Institutions at each place of examination, receive the papers by post from the Board; see that the papers are fairly worked by the candidates, without copying from each other, and without books or other assistance; certify that all has been properly conducted; and return the worked papers by post to the Board of Examiners in London. The Council is not unwilling to undertake this duty, if the Institutes in Union delibe- 7. That no certificate be awarded for any paper rately desire it; but the best possible scheme which gave evidence of only a smattering of of examinations cannot succeed if the Institutes knowledge, however extensive, or which was not are not now, and are not likely soon to be, well spelt, and fairly and clearly written. in a position to present to the Examiners a 8. That 1st class certificates be very cautiously sufficient number of candidates properly pre-awarded, so as to indicate a high standard of solid pared for examination. Assuming, however, attainment. that in due time such candidates will be forth- 9. That a list of suitable subjects for examicoming, the Council has considered what mea-nation be prepared for the approval of the "Consures must be taken by the Society to ensure ference." That candidates be examined at their success, if the Institutes should be able and option in any of those subjects; but that no willing to do their part in this business. candidate, after his first examination, take up In order that diplomas, or certificates, may more than two of the subjects in the same year; be accepted as really valuable testimonials of a thorough knowledge of one or two subjects persevering study and superior attainment, the being far more important than a superficial Examiners must be men of distinguished re-acquaintance with many. *The Report of the Committee appointed by the Council of the Society of Arts to inquire into the subject of Industrial Instruction, with the evidence on which the Report is founded. Longman and Co., 1853. In putting forth this very important matter for consideration, the Council trusts that it will be borne in mind that success can only be obtained through the hearty co-operation of the Institu tions. Such co-operation may be given by the Institutions in preparing and bringing forward fit candidates for examination, and by the influential friends of education, in stamping the proposed diplomas with a real commercial value, by acknowledging them as testimonials worthy of credit. It is hoped that few will look coldly upon an attempt to supply to the members of the Literary and Scientific Institutions, Mechanics' Institutes, and Athenæums, in Union with the Society of Arts, a portion, however small, of those advantages which are abundantly offered to the higher classes of the community in their competitive examinations, honours, and degrees. DECLARATION. We, the undersigned, having considered the circular letter of the Council of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, dated March 1854, and the plan therein set forth, for examining and granting certificates to the students of the classes for adult instruction in the Literary and Scientific Institutions, Mechanics' Institutes, Athenæums, and other similar bodies in Union with the said Society, do hereby declare that we desire to promote the success of the said plan, and are prepared to regard as testimonials worthy of credit such CERTIFICATES as may be awarded in conformity thereto. SEVENTEENTH ORDINARY MEETING. The Seventeenth Ordinary Meeting of the One The following candidates were balloted for and duly elected : Baily, Edwin Cottam, George Hallen Fielding, Edward occasionally grown or imported, than the real exigencies of the country might require. The present, or recent, tage of comparative ignorance of actual quantities, such as under the present system now obtained. It was assumed early last season that the harvest would be a defective one; and there certainly was some trustworthy evidence to that effect. The result was an enormous importation from America, Russia, and other corn-growing countries, on the one hand, and a larger breadth of land than last year being placed under cultivation for wheat, on the other. The high prices obtained for grain stimu lated this action. Whether, however, the present tendency to reduced prices was to be attributed to larger reserves being brought to market than were supposed to be in existence, or to an excess of importation, or to a larger quantity being actually cut last harvest than was expected, or to all these combined, certain it was that no :pprehension was now entertained of a continued scarcity, and some speculators would probably "burn their fingers." The country at large, however, gained by this: the price of the staff of life came down to the ability of the consumer, and as the importations must immediately or ultimately be paid for in English manufactures, a greater amount of wealth was produced and distributed than would, otherwise, have come statistics of agriculture to be obtained and made patent into existence. Again he might observe that, assuming to the world, would there not be a danger of an undue, and therefore a mischiveous, reliance being placed in them, and which reliance would be aggravated in its ultimate policy? When left however to independent action, the effects by producers simultaneously observing a like natural stimulus to speculation would sooner or later lead to a healthy condition of the grain markets, and to an average fair price of that important article. He was not prepared at that moment to pursue the subject further, but hoped he had said enough to justify a little hesitation before adopting the ingenious plans of Mr. Levi and of other gentlemen, who had addressed the Society on the former evening. condition of the corn market would illustrate the advan.. Mr. LUMLEY wished to make a few observations, though he would not go into the question raised by the last speaker, considering it settled at the former meeting, that it was desirable to have established as perfect a system of collecting agricultural statistics as possible. That for this object a scheme could be adopted, was proved by the recent experiments in Norfolk and Hampshire, the inquiries having only failed to elicit information to the extent of 24 per cent. on those made in Norfolk, and 34 per cent. in Hampshire, which he thought must be considered a very satisfactory result. If a general system of agricultural statistics could be carried out, they might expect to derive very important information, which would be of great advantage to the country; and he thought the Government could well avail themselves of the machinery they possessed under the Poor Law Board for that purpose. He then detailed the steps adopted by Sir John Walsham, in Norfolk, and Mr. Hawley, in Hampinfluence in their respective counties. The system Mr. WINKWORTH thought that before inviting gentle-adopted in these proceedings was this. The guardians men to suggest plans for obtaining agricultural statistics, it would be as well to inquire whether the principle itself was admitted. He would remind the Society, that all sound political economists maintained that the action of commerce should not be interfered with by compulsory revelations, except in some extreme cases, or for fiscal purposes. Now he must beg to say, that he for one could not see why the producers of wheat, for instance, should be placed in a different category from the manu facturers of wool, cotton, silk, or iron. The very fact of the assumed, but not real, ignorance of details, of quantities produced or in progress, was an element of great importance, as the spirit of enterprise or speculation being thereby stimulated, a greater quantity of grain was DISCUSSION ON AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. The CHAIRMAN suggested that perhaps the most convenient way of continuing the discussion on this subject, which had been raised on the reading of Mr. Leone Levi's paper at the last meeting, would be for any gentleman who had any plan to propose for collecting these statistics to do so at once, and afterwards to proceed to the dis-shire-both gentlemen of intelligence, activity, and cussion or criticism of the different plans. of each Union were requested to obtain the requisite information on the subject, which was collected through their various relieving officers. Lists were made out containing the information required, and there were sent by the relieving officers to the various farmers and occupiers in the districts. The documents requested information as to the state of the country with reference to the extent of the crops under cultivation on the 18th of July, and as to the number of cattle and stock on the 18th of October. These lists, when obtained by the relieving officers, were forwarded to the clerks of the respective Unions, by whom they had been classified and abstracted, and the results were supplied to the Inspectors, Sir John Walsham and Mr. Hawley, by whom reports had been |