Allen, J.—Local portrait painter of some repute from 1802 to 1820.

Aston, John, who died Sept. 12, 1882, in his 82nd year, at one time took a leading share in local affairs. He was High Bailiff in 1841, a J.P. for the county, for 40 years a Governor of the Grammar School, and on the boards of management of a number of religious and charitable institutions. A consistent Churchman, he was one of the original trustees of the "Ten Churches Fund," one of the earliest works of church extension in Birmingham; he was also the chief promoter of the Church of England Cemetery, and the handsome church of St. Michael, which stands in the Cemetery grounds, was largely due to his efforts. In polities Mr. Aston was a staunch Conservative, and was one of the trustees of the once notable Constitutional Association.

Attwood.—The foremost name of the days of Reform, when the voice of Liberal Birmingham made itself heard through its leaders was that of Thomas Attwood. A native of Salop, born Oct. 6, 1783, he became a resident here soon after coming of age, having joined Messrs. Spooner's Bank, thence and afterwards known as Spooner and Attwood's. At the early age of 28 he was chosen High Bailiff, and soon made his mark by opposing the renewal of the East India Co.'s charter, and by his exertions to obtain the withdrawal of the "Orders in Council," which in 1812, had paralysed the trade of the country with America. The part he took in the great Reform meetings, his triumphant reception after the passing of the Bill, and his being sent to Parliament as one of the first representatives for the borough, are matters which have been too many times dilated upon to need recapitulation. Mr. Attwood had peculiar views on the currency question, and pertinaciously pressing them on his fellow members in the House of Commons he was not liked, and only held his seat until the end of Dec., 1839, the last prominent act of his political life being the presentation of a monster Chartist petition in the previous June. He afterwards retired into private life, ultimately dying at Malvern, March 6 1856, being then 73 years of age. Charles Attwood, a brother, but who took less part in politics, retiring from the Political Union when he thought Thomas and his friends were verging on the precipice of revolution, was well known in the north of England iron and steel trade. He died Feb. 24, 1875, in his 84th year. Another brother Benjamin, who left politics alone, died Nov. 22, 1874, aged 80. No greater contrast could possibly be drawn than that shown in the career of these three gentlemen. The youngest brother who industriously attended to his business till he had acquired a competent fortune, also inherited enormous wealth from a nephew, and after his death he was proved to have been the long un-known but much sought after anonymous donor of the L1,000 notes so continuously acknowledged in the Times as having been sent to London hospitals and charities. It was said that Benjamin Attwood distributed nearly L350,000 in this unostentatious manner, and his name will be ever blessed. Charles Attwood was described as a great and good man, and a benefactor to his race. His discoveries in the manufacture of glass and steel, and his opening up of the Cleveland iron district, has given employment to thousands, and as one who knew him well said, "If he had cared more about money, and less about science, he could have been one of the richest commoners in England;" but he was unselfish, and let other reap the benefit of his best patents. What the elder brother was, most Brums know; he worked hard in the cause of Liberalism, he was almost idolised here, and his statue stands not far from the site of the Bank with which his name was unfortunately connected, and the failure of which is still a stain on local commercial history.

Baldwin, James.—Born in the first month of the present century, came here early in his teens, worked at a printer's, saved his money, an employer at 25, made a speciality of "grocer's printing," fought hard in the battle against the "taxes on knowledge," became Alderman and Mayor, and ultimately settled down on a farm near his own paper mills at King's Norton, where, Dec. 10, 1871, he finished a practically useful life, regretted by many.

Bayley, C.H.—A Worcestershire man and a Staffordshire resident; a persevering collector of past local and county records, and an active member of the Archaeological section of the Midland Institute. Mr. Bayley was also a member of the Staffordshire Archaeological Society, and took special interest in the William Salt Library at Stafford, whose treasures were familiar to him, and whose contents he was ever ready to search and report on for any of his friends. In 1869 he issued the first of some proposed reprints of some of his own rarities, in "A True Relation of the Terrible Earthquake at West Brummidge, in Staffordshire," &c., printed in 1676; and early in 1882 (the year of his death) "The Rent Rolls of Lord Dudley and Ward in 1701"—a very curious contribution to local history, and full of general interest also.

Beale, Samuel.—At one period a most prominent man among our local worthies, one of the first Town Councillors, and Mayor in 1841. He was Chairman of the Midland Railway, a director of the Birmingham and Midland Bank, and sat as M.P. for Derby from 1857 to 1865. He died Sept 11 1876, aged 71.

Beale, W.J.—A member of the legal firm of Beale, Marigold, and Beale. Mr. Beale's chief public service was rendered in connection with the General Hospital and the Musical Festivals. He was for many years a member of the Orchestral Committee of the Festivals, and in 1870 he succeeded Mr. J.0. Mason as chairman; retaining this position until after the Festival of 1876. His death took place in July, 1880, he then being in his 76th year.

Billing, Martin.—Founder of the firm of Martin Billing, Sons, & Co., Livery Street, died July 17, 1883, at the age of 71. He commenced life under his uncle, Alderman Baldwin, and was the first to introduce steam printing machines into Birmingham. The colossal structure which faces the Great Western Railway Station was erected about twenty-nine years ago.

Bisset, James, was the publisher of the "Magnificent Directory" and "Poetic Survey" of Birmingham, presented to the public, January 1, 1800.

Bowly E.0.—A native, self-taught artist, whose pictures now fetch rapidly-increasing sums, though for the best part of his long life dealers and the general run of art patrons, while acknowledging the excellence of the works, would not buy them. Mr. Bowly, however, lived sufficiently long to know that the few gentlemen who honoured him in his younger years, were well recompensed for their kind recognition of his talent, though it came too late to be of service to himself. His death occurred Feb. 1, 1876, in his 70th year.

Briggs.—Major W.B. Briggs, who was struck off the world's roster Jan. 25, 1877, was one of the earliest and most ardent supporters of the Volunteer movement in Birmingham, being gazetted ensign of the 2nd Company in November, 1859. He was a hearty kindly man, and much esteemed in and out of the ranks.

Burritt Elihu, the American "learned blacksmith," having made himself proficient in fifteen different languages. He first addressed the "Friends of Peace" in this town, Dec. 15, 1846, when on a tour through the country. He afterwards returned, and resided in England for nearly twenty-five years, being for a considerable time United States Consul at Birmingham, which he left in 1868. During his residence here he took an active share in the work of diffusing the principles of temperance and peace, both by lecturing and by his writings.

Bynner, Henry.—A native of the town; forty-five years British Consul at Trieste; returned here in 1842, and died in 1867. He learned shorthand writing of Dr. Priestley, and was the first to use it in a law court in this county.

Cadbury, Richard Tapper.—A draper and haberdasher, who started business here in 1794. One of the Board of Guardians, and afterwards Chairman (for 15 years) of the Commissioners of the Streets, until that body was done away with. Mr. Cadbury was one of the most respected and best known men of the town. He died March 13, 1860, in his 92nd year, being buried in Bull Street, among his departed friends.

Capers, Edward.—Sometimes called the "poet-postman," is a Devonshire man, but resided for a considerable time at Harborne. He deserves a place among our noteworthy men, if only for his sweet lines on the old Love lane at Edgbaston, now known as Richmond Hill.

"But no vestige of the bankside lingers now or gate to show The track of the old vanished lane of love's sweet long ago."

Carey, Rev. Henry Francis, a native of this town (born in 1772), vicar of Bromley Abbots, Staffordshire, himself a poet of no mean order, translated in blank verse Dante's "Inferno," the "Divina Commedia," &c., his works running rapidly through several editions. For some time he was assistant librarian at the British Museum, and afterwards received a pension of L200 a year. Died in 1844, and lies in "Poet's Corner," Westminster Abbey.

Chamberlain, John Henry.—Came to Birmingham in 1856, and died suddenly on the evening of Oct. 22, 1883, after delivering a lecture in the Midland Institutes on "Exotic Art." An architect of most brilliant talent, it is almost impossible to record the buildings with which (in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Wm. Martin) he has adorned our town. Among them are the new Free Libraries, the extension of the Midland Institute, the Hospitals for Women and Children, the many Board Schools, the Church of St. David, and that at Selly Hill the Rubery Asylum, the Fire Brigade Station, the Constitution Hill Library, Monument Lane Baths, the Chamberlain Memorial, the Canopy over Dawson's Statue, several Police Stations, with shops and private houses innumerable. He was a true artist in every sense of the word, an eloquent speaker, and one of the most sincere, thoughtful, and lovingly-earnest men that Birmingham has ever been blessed with.

Clegg.—Samuel Clegg was born at Manchester, March 2, 1781, but his early years were passed at the Soho Works, where he was assistant to Mr. Murdoch in the gradual introduction of lighting with gas. In 1807 Mr. Clegg first used lime as a purifier and in 1815 he patented the water meter. In addition to his many inventions connected with the manufacture and supply of gas, Mr. Clegg must be credited with the introduction of the atmospheric railways, which attracted so much attention some five-and-forty years ago, and also with many improvements in steam engines.

Collins.—Mr. John Collins, an exceedingly popular man in his day, and quite a local author, made his first appearance here Jan. 16, 1793, at "The Gentlemen's Private Theatre," in Livery Street, with an entertainment called "Collins' New Embellished Evening Brush, for Rubbing off the Rust of care." This became a great favourite, and we find Collins for years after, giving similar performances, many of them being for the purpose of paying for "soup for the poor" in the distressful winters of 1799, 1800, and 1801. Not so much, however, on account of his charity, or his unique entertainment, must Mr. Collins be ranked among local worthies, as for "A Poetical History of Birmingham" written (or rather partly written) by him, which was published in Swinney's Chronicle. Six chapters in verse appeared (Feb. 25 to April 7, 17[**]6), when unfortunately the poet's muse seems to have failed him. As a sample of the fun contained in the seven or eight dozen verses, we quote the first—

"Of Birmingham's name, tho' a deal has been said, Yet a little, we doubt, to the purpose, As when "hocus pocus" was jargon'd instead Of the Catholic text "hoc est corpus."

For it, doubtless, for ages was Bromwicham called, But historians, their readers to bam, Have Brom, Wich, and Ham so corrupted and maul'd, That their strictures have all proved a sham.

That Brom implies Broom none will dare to deny, And that Wich means a Village or Farm; Or a Slope, or a Saltwork, the last may imply, And to read Ham for Town is no harm.

But when jumbled together, like stones in a bag, To make it a Broom-sloping town, Credulity's pace at such juggling must flag, And the critic indignant will frown.

Tis so much like the Gazetteer's riddle-my-ree, Who, untwisting Antiquity's cable, Makes Barnstaple's town with its name to agree, Take its rise from a Barn and a Stable."

Collins' own comical notion gives the name as "Brimmingham," from the brimming goblets so freely quaffed by our local sons of Vulcan. Digbeth he makes out to be a "dug bath," or horsepond for the farriers; Deritend, from der (water).

"Took its name from the swamp where the hamlet was seated, And imply'd 'twas the water-wet-end of the town."

Cox, David—On the 29th of April, 1783, this great painter—the man whose works have made Birmingham famous in art—was born in a humble dwelling in Heath Mill Lane, Deritend, where his father carried on the trade of a smith. Some memorials of him we have—in the noble gift of a number of his pictures in oil, presented to the town by the late Mr. Joseph Nettlefold; in the portrait by Mr. J. Watson Gordon, and the bust by Mr. Peter Hollins; in the two biographies of him—both of them Birmingham works—the earlier by Mr. Neal Solly, and the more recent one by the late Mr. William Hall; besides the memorial window put up by loving friends in the Parish Church of Harborne, where the latter part of the artist's life was passed, and in the churchyard of which his remains were laid. He bade his pictures and the world good-bye on the 9th of June, 1859. A sale of some of "dear old David's" works, in London, May, 1873, realised for the owners over L25,000, but what the artist himself originally had for them may be gathered from the instance of his "Lancaster Castle," otherwise known as "Peace and War," a harvest-field scene, with troops marching by, only 24in. by 18in. in size. This picture he gave to a friend at first, but bought it back for L20, at a time when his friend wanted cash; he sold it for the same amount, and it afterwards got into the possession of Joseph Gillot, the pen maker, at the sale of whose collection "Lancaster Castle" was knocked down for L3,601 10s. The highest price Cox ever received for a picture, and that on one single occasion only, was L100; in another case he had L95; his average prices for large pictures were rather under than over L50 a piece in his best days. "The Sea Shore at Rhyl," for which he received L100, has been since sold for L2,300; "The Vale of Clwyd," for which he accepted L95, brought L2,500. Two pictures for which he received L40 each in 1847, were sold in 1872 for L1,575 and L1,550 respectively. Two others at L40 each have sold since for L2,300 and L2,315 5s. respectively. His church at "Bettws-y-Coed" one of the finest of his paintings, fetched L2,500 at a sale in London, in March, 1884. In the hall of the Royal Oak Inn, Bettws-y-Coed (David's favourite place), there is fixed a famous signboard which Cox painted for the house in 1847, and which gave rise to considerable litigation as to its ownership being vested in the tenant or the owner, the decision being in the latter's favour.

Cox, William Sands, F.R.S. and F.R.C.S., the son of a local surgeon, was born in 1801. After "walking the hospitals" in London and Paris, he settled here in 1825, being appointed surgeon to the Dispensary, and in 1828, with the co-operation of the late Doctors Johnstone and Booth, and other influential friends, succeeded in organising the Birmingham Royal School of Medicine and Surgery, which proved eminently successful until, by the munificent aid of the Rev. Dr. Warneford, it was converted into Queen's College by a charter of incorporation, which was granted in 1843. The Queen's Hospital was also founded mainly through the exertions of Mr. Sands Cox, for the education of the medical students of the College. In 1863 Mr. Cox retired from practice, and went to reside near Tamworth, afterwards removing to Leamington and Kenilworth, at which latter place he died, December 23rd, 1875. He was buried in the family vault at Aston, the coffin being carried to the grave by six old students at the College, funeral scarfs, hatbands, and "other such pieces of mummery" being dispensed with, according to the deceased's wish. He left many charitable legacies, among them being L15,000, to be dealt with in the following manner:—L3,000 to be applied in building and endowing a church then in course of erection at Balsall Heath, and to be known as St. Thomas-in-the-Moors, and the remaining L12,000 to be devoted to the erection and endowment of three dispensaries—one at Balsall Heath, one at Aston, and the other at Hockley. Two sums of L3,000 were left to found dispensaries at Tamworth and Kenilworth, and a cottage hospital at Moreton-in-the-Marsh; his medical library and a number of other articles being also left for the last-named institution.

Davies, Dr. Birt.—By birth a Hampshire man, by descent a Welshman, coming to Birmingham in 1823, Dr. Davies soon became a man of local note. As a politician in the pre-Reform days, as a physician of eminence, and as Borough Coroner for three dozen years, he occupied a prominent position, well justified by his capacity and force of character. He took an active part in the founding of the Birmingham School of Medicine, the forerunner of the Queen's College, and was elected one of the three first physicians to the Queen's Hospital, being its senior physician for sixteen years. When the Charter of Incorporation was granted, Dr. Davies was chosen by the Town Council as the first Coroner, which office he held until June 8th, 1875, when he resigned, having, as he wrote to the Council, on the 29th of May terminated his 36th year of office, and 76th year of his age. Though an ardent politician, it is from his Coronership that he will be remembered most, having held about 30,000 inquests in his long term of office, during the whole of which time, it has been said, he never took a holiday, appointed a deputy, or slept out of the borough. His official dignity sat heavily upon him, his temper of late years often led him into conflict with jurors and medical witnesses, but he was well respected by all who knew the quiet unpretending benevolence of his character, never better exhibited than at the time of the cholera panic in 1832. The doctor had established a Fever Hospital in Bath Row, and here he received and treated, by himself, the only cases of Asiatic cholera imported into the town. He died December 11th, 1878.

De Lys, Dr.—One of the physicians to the General Hospital, and the proposer of the Deaf and Dumb Institution. A native of Brittany, and one of several French refugees who settled here when driven from their own country, at the time of the Revolution, Dr. De Lys remained with us till his death, August 24th, 1831, being then in his 48th year.

Digby, John, made Lord Digby in 1618, and Earl of Bristol in 1622, was born at Coleshill in 1580. He was sent Ambassador to Spain by James I. to negotiate a marriage between Prince Charles and the Infanta. He went abroad when the Civil War broke out, and died at Paris in 1653.

Edmonds.—George Edmonds, was a son of the Baptist minister of Bond Street Chapel, and was born in 1788. For many years after he grew up George kept a school, but afterwards devoted himself to the Law, and was appointed Clerk of the Peace on the incorporation of the borough. For taking part in what Government chose to consider an illegal meeting Mr. Edmonds had to suffer 12 months' imprisonment, but it only increased his popularity and made him recognised as leader of the Radical party. During the great Reform movements he was always to the fore, and there can be little doubt that it was to his untiring energy that the Political Union owed much of its success. In his later years he printed (partly with his own hands) one of the strangest works ever issued from the press, being nothing less than an alphabet, grammar, and dictionary of a new and universal language. On this he must have spent an immense amount of philosophical and philological research during the busiest years of his active life, but like other schemes of a similar character it came into the world some scores of generations too soon. His death took place (hastened by his own hand) July 1, 1868.

Everitt, Allen Edward.—Artist, antiquarian, and archaeologist. It is reported that his portfolio contained more than a thousand sketches of his own taking, of old churches, mansions, cottages, or barns in the Midland Counties. Born here in 1824 Mr. Everitt had reached his 55th year before taking to himself a wife, whom he left a widow June 11, 1882, through catching a cold while on a sketching tour. He was much loved in all artistic circles, having been (for twenty-four years) hon. sec. to the Society of Artists, a most zealous coadjutor of the Free Libraries Committee, and honorary curator of tha Art Gallery; in private or public life he spoke ill of no man, nor could any speak of him with aught but affection and respect.

Fletcher, George.—Author of the "Provincialist" and other poems, a journeyman printer, and much respected for his genial character and honest kind-heartedness. Died Feb. 20, 1874, aged 64.

Fothergill, John.—Taken into partnership by Matthew Boulton in 1762, devoting himself principally to the foreign agencies. Many of the branches of trade in which he was connected proved failures, and he died insolvent in 1782, while Boulton breasted the storm, and secured fortune by means of his steam engines. He did not, however, forget his first partner's widow and children.

Fox, Charles Fox, of the firm of Fox, Henderson and Co., was born at Derby, March 11, 1810. His first connection with this town arose from his being engaged with Stephenson on the construction of the Birmingham and Liverpool line. He was knighted in 1851, in recognition of his wonderful skill as shown in the erection of the International Exhibition of that year, and we have a local monument to his fame in the roof which spans the New Street Station. He died in 1874, and was buried at Nunhead Cemetery, London. The firm of Fox, Henderson and Co., was originally Bramah and Fox, Mr. Henderson not coming in till the death of Mr. Bramah, a well-known ironmaster of this neighbourhood, and whose name is world-famous for his celebrated locks.

Geach.—Charles Geach was a Cornishman, born in 1808, and came to Birmingham in 1826 as one of the clerks in the Branch Bank of England, then opened. In 1836 he was instrumental in the formation of two of our local banks, and became the manager of one of them, the Birmingham and Midland. In 1842 he made a fortunate speculation in the purchase of some extensive ironworks at Rotherham just previous to the days of "the railway mania." The profits on iron at that time were something wonderful; as a proof of which it has been stated that on one occasion Mr. Geach took orders for 30,000 tons at L12, the cost to him not being more than half that sum! The Patent Shaft Works may be said to have owed its origin also to this gentleman. Mr. Geach was chosen mayor for 1847, and in 1851 was returned to Parliament for Coventry. His death occurred Nov. 1, 1854. A full-length portrait hangs in the board-room of the bank, of which he retained the managing-directorship for many years.

Gem, Major Thomas Henry.—The well-known Clerk to the Magistrates, born May 21, 1819, was the pioneer of the Volunteer movement in this town, as well as the originator of the fashionable game of lawn tennis. A splendid horseman, and an adept at all manly games, he also ranked high as a dramatic author, and no amateur theatricals could be got through without his aid and presence. His death, November 4, 1881, resulted from an accident which occurred on June 25 previous, at the camp in Sutton Park.

Gillott.—Joseph Gillott was born at Sheffield in 1799, but through want of work found his way here in 1822, spending his last penny in refreshments at the old publichouse then standing at corner of Park Street, where the Museum Concert Hall exists. His first employment was buckle making, and being steady he soon took a garret in Bread Street and became his own master in the manufacture of buckles and other "steel toys." The merchant who used to buy of him said "Gillott made very excellent goods, and came for his money every week." It was that making of excellent goods and his untiring perseverance that secured him success. His sweetheart was sister to William and John Mitchell, and it is questionable whether Gillott's first efforts at making steel pens did not spring from the knowledge he gained from her as to what the Mitchells were doing in that line. The Sheffield blade, however, was the first to bring the "press" into the proeess of making the pens, and that secret he must have kept pretty closely from all but his lass, as Mr. J. Gillott often told, in after life, how, on the morning of his marriage, he began and finished a gross of pens, and sold them for L7 4s. before they went to church. The accumulation of his fortune began from that day, the name of Gillott in a very few years being known the wide world over. The penmaker was a great patron of the artists, gathering a famous collection which at his death realised L170,000. His first interview with Turner was described in an American journal a few years back. Gillott having rudely pushed his way into the studio and turning the pictures about without the artist deigning to notice the intruder, tried to attract attention by asking the prices of three paintings. Turner carelessly answered "4,000 guineas," "L3,000," and "1,500 guineas." "I'll take the three," said Gillott. Then Turner rose, with "Who the devil are you to intrude here against my orders? You must be a queer sort of a beggar, I fancy." "You're another queer beggar" was the reply. "I am Gillott, the penmaker. My banker tells me you are clever, and I have come to buy some pictures." "By George!" quoth Turner, "you are a droll fellow, I must say." "You're another," said Gillott. "But do you really want to purchase those pictures," asked Turner. "Yes, in course I do, or I would not have climbed those blessed stairs this morning," was the answer. Turner marvelled at the man, and explained that he had fixed the prices named under the idea that he had only got an impertinent intruder to deal with, that two of the pictures were already sold, but that his visitor could have the first for L1,000. "I'll take it," said the prince of penmakers, "and you must make me three or four more at your own price." If other artists did as well with Mr. Gillott they could have had but little cause of complaint. Another hobby of Mr. Gillott's was collecting fiddles, his specimens, of which he once said he had a "boat load," realising L4,000; while his cabinet of precious stones was of immense value. The millionaire died Jan. 5, 1872, leaving L3,000 to local charities.

Guest, James.—Originally a brass-founder, but imbued with the principles of Robert Owen, he became an active member of the Political Union and other "freedom-seeking" societies, and opened in Steelhouse Lane a shop for the sale of that kind of literature suited to ardent workers in the Radical cause. Mr. Guest believed that "all bad laws must be broken before they could be mended," and for years he followed out that idea so far as the taxes on knowledge were concerned. He was the first to sell unstamped papers here and in the Black Country, and, notwithstanding heavy fines, and even imprisonment, he kept to his principles as long as the law stood as it was. In 1830 he published Hutton "History of Birmingham" in cheap numbers, unfortunately mixing with it many chapters about the Political Union, the right of a Free Press, &c., in a confusing manner. The book, however, was very popular, and has been reprinted from the original stereoplates several times. Mr. Guest died Jan. 17, 1881, in his 78th year.

Hill, Rowland.—The originator of the present postal system, born at Kidderminster, December 3, 1795, coming to Birmingham with his parents when about seven years old. His father opened a school at the corner of Gough Street and Blucher Street, which was afterwards (in 1819) removed to the Hagley Road, where, as "Hazlewood School" it became more than locally famous. In 1825 it was again removed, and further off, this time being taken to Bruce Castle, Tottenham, where the family yet resides. Rowland and his brother, Matthew Davenport Hill, afterwards Recorder of Birmingham, who took part in the management of the school, went with it, and personally Rowland Hill's connection with our town may be said to have ceased. Early in 1837 Mr. Hill published his proposed plans of Post Office reform, but which for a long time met with no favour from either of the great political parties, or in official quarters, where, it has been said, he was snubbed as a would-be interloper, and cursed as "a fellow from Birmingham coming to teach people their business"—

"All office doors were closed against him—hard All office heads were closed against him too, 'He had but worked, like others, for reward,' 'The thing was all a dream.' 'It would not do.'"

In 1839, more than 2,000 petitions were presented to Parliament in favour of Mr. Hill's plans, and eventually they were adopted and became law by the 3rd and 4th Vict., cap. 96. The new postage law by which the uniform rate of fourpence per letter was tried as an experiment, came into operation on the 5th of December, 1839, and on the 10th January, 1840, the reduced uniform rate of 1d. per letter of half-an-ounce weight was commenced. Under the new system the privilege of franking letters enjoyed by members of Parliament was abolished, facilities of prepayment were afforded by the introduction of postage stamps, double postage was levied on letters not prepaid, and arrangements were made for the registration of letters. Mr. Hill received an appointment in the Treasury, but in 1841, he was told his services were no longer required. This flagrant injustice caused great indignation, and a national testimonial of L15,000 was presented to him June 17, 1846. On a change of Government Mr. Hill was appointed Secretary to the Postmaster General, and, in 1854, Secretary to the Post Office, a position which he retained until failing health caused him to resign in March, 1864, the Treasury awarding him for life his salary of L2,000 per year. In the same year he received a Parliamentary grant of L20,000, and in 1860, he was made a K.C.B., other honours from Oxford, &c., following. Sir Rowland was presented with the freedom of the City by the London Court of Common Council, June 6, 1879, the document being contained in a suitable gold casket. It was incidentally mentioned in the course of the proceedings, that at the time Sir Rowland Hill's system was inaugurated the annual amount of correspondence was 79 millions, or three letters per head of the population; while then it exceeded 1,000 millions of letters, 100 millions of post-cards, and 320 millions of newspapers, and the gross receipt in respect of it was L6,000,000 sterling. Sir Rowland Hill died Aug. 27, 1879, leaving but one son, "Pearson Hill," late of the Post Office.

Hollins, George—The first appointed organist of the Town Hall (in 1834), having been previously organist at St. Paul's, in the graveyard of which church he was buried in 1841, the funeral being attended by hundreds of friends, musicians, and singers of the town and neighbourhood.

Holt, Thomas Littleton.—A Press man, whose death (Sept. 14, 1879) at the age of 85, severed one of the very few remaining links connecting the journalism of the past with the present. It was to him that the late Mr. Dickens owed his introduction to Dr. Black, then the editor of the Morning Chronicle. Mr. Holt was proprietor of the Iron Times, which started during the railway mania. When his friend Leigh Hunt was imprisoned for libelling the Prince Regent, he was the first to visit him. He took an active part in popularising cheap literature, and it was greatly owing to him that the advertisement duty was repealed. He also took an active part in the abolition of the paper duty. Besides starting many papers in London in the latter period of his life, he returned to his native town, Birmingham, where he started Ryland's Iron Trade Circular, to the success of which his writings largely contributed.

Humphreys, Henry Noel.—This eminent naturalist and archaeologist's career closed in June, 1879. A son of the late Mr. James Humphreys, he was born in Birmingham in 1809, and was educated at the Grammar School here. He was the author of many interesting works connected with his zoological and antiquarian researches. Among the most important of the latter class may be specified:—"Illustrations of Froissart's Chronicles," "The Parables of our Lord Illustrated," "The Coins of England," "Ancient Coins and Medals," "The Illuminated Books of the Mediaeval Period," the "Coin Collector's Manual," the "Coinage of the British Empire," "Stories by an Archaeologist," and especially his magna opera, so to speak, "The Art of Illumination," and "The History of the Art of Writing from the Hieroglyphic Period down to the introduction of Alphabets."

James, William.—A Warwickshire engineer, born at Henley-in-Arden, June, 13, 1771. Mr. James has been called the first projector of railways, as there was none started previous to his laying out a line from here to Wolverhampton, which was given up in favour of the Canal Companies. The wharves in Newhall Street were constructed on the site of his proposed railway station. He afterwards projected and surveyed many other lines including Birmingham to Manchester through Derbyshire, the Birmingham and London, etc. West Bromwich owes no little of its prosperity to this gentleman, who opened many collieries in its neighbourhood. At one time Mr. James was said to have been worth L150,000, besides L10,000 a year coming in from his profession, but he lost nearly all before his death.

Jeffery.—George Edward Jeffery, who died Dec. 29th, 1877, aged 33, was a local writer who promised to make a name had he lived longer.

Johnstone, Dr. John, a distinguished local physician, was born at Worcester in 1768. Though he acquired a high reputation for his treatment of diseases, it was noticeable that he made a very sparing use of medicines. Died in 1836.

Johnstone, John, whose death was the result of being knocked down by a cab in Broad Street in Oct. 1875, was one of those all-round inventive characters who have done so much for the trades of this town. He was born in Dumfriesshire in 1801, and was apprenticed to a builder, coming to this town in 1823. He was soon noticed as the first architectural draughtsman of his day, but his genius was not confined to any one line. He was the first to introduce photographic vignettes, he invented the peculiar lamp used in railway carriages, he improved several agricultural implements, he could lay out plans for public buildings or a machine for making hooks and eyes, and many well-to-do families owe their rise in the world to acting on the ideas put before them by Mr. Johnstone. In the latter portion of his life he was engaged at the Cambridge Street Works as consulter in general.

Kempson, James—In one of those gossiping accounts of the "Old Taverns" of Birmingham which "S.D.R." has written, mention is made of a little old man, dear to the musicians under the name of "Daddy Kempson," who appears to have been the originator of our Triennial Musical Festivals in 1768, and who conducted a performance at St. Paul's as late as the year 1821, he being then 80 years of age.

Kuechler, C.H.—A medalist, for many years in the employ of Boulton, for whom he sunk the dies for part of the copper coinage of 1797, &c. The 2d. piece is by him. He was buried in Handsworth Churchyard.

Lightfoot.—Lieut.-General Thomas Lightfoot, C.B., Colonel of the 62nd Regiment, who died at his residence, Barbourne House, Worcester, Nov. 15, 1858, in his 84th year, and who entered the British army very early in life, was the last surviving officer of the famous 45th, the "Fire-eaters" as they were called, that went to the Peninsula with Moore and left it with Wellington. Lightfoot was in Holland in 1799. He was present in almost every engagement of the Peninsular War. He received seven wounds; a ball which caused one of these remained in his body till his death. He obtained three gold and eleven silver medals, being one more than even those of his illustrious commander, the Duke of Wellington. One silver medal was given him by the Duke himself, who said on the occasion he was glad to so decorate one of the brave 45th. Lightfoot was made a C.B. in 1815. Before he became Major-General he was Aide-de-Camp to William IV. and Queen Victoria, and as such rode immediately before her Majesty in her coronation procession. Lieutenant-General Lightfoot was a native of this town, and was buried in the family vault in St. Bartholomew's Church, his remains being escorted to the tomb by the 4th (Queen's Own) Light Dragoons, commanded by Colonel Low.

Lloyd.—The founder of the well-known banking firm of Lloyds appears to have been Charles Lloyd, for some time a minister of the Society of Friends, who died in 1698.

Machin, William.—Born here in 1798, began his musical career (while apprenticed to papier-mache making), as a member at the choir at Cannon Street Chapel. As a favourite bass singer he was engaged at many of the festivals from 1834 to that of 1849. His death occurred in September, 1870.

Malins, David.—Brassfounder, who in course of his life filled several of the chief offices of our local governing bodies. Born June 5, 1803; died December, 1881. Antiquarian and persevering collector of all works throwing light upon or having connection with Birmingham or Warwickshire history. Mr. Malins, after the burning of the Free Library, generously gave the whole of his collection to the formation of the New Reference Library, many of the books being most rare and valuable, and of some of which no other copies are known to exist.

Mellon, Alfred.—Though actually born in London, Mr. Mellon's parents (his father was a Frenchman) were residents in Birmingham, and we must claim this popular conductor as a local musician of note. He was only twelve when he joined the Theatre Royal band, but at sixteen he was the leader and remained so for eight years, removing to London in 1844. In 1856 Mr. Mellon conducted the opening performances at the Music Hall in Broad Street (now Prince of Wales's Theatre): and will be long remembered for the "Promenade Concerts" he gave at Covent Garden and in the provinces. He died from the breaking of a blood-vessel, March 27, 1867.

Mogridge, George, born at Ashted Feb. 17th, 1787, and brought up as a japanner, was the original "Old Humphrey" of our childhood's days, the author of "Grandfather Grey," "Old Humphrey's Walks in London," "Old Humphrey's Country Strolls," and other juvenile works, of which many millions of copies have been sold in England, America, and the Colonies. "Peter Parley's Tales" have been also ascribed to our townsman, who died Nov. 2, 1854.

Munden, T.—In the year 1818, Mr. Munden (born in London in 1798) came to this town as organist of Christ Church, and was also chosen as teacher of the Oratorio Choral Society, and to this day it may be said that the reputation of our Festival Choir is mostly based on the instruction given by him during his long residence among us. From 1823 till 1849 Mr. Munden acted as Assistant-conductor at the Festivals, retiring from public life in 1853.

Muntz.—The Revolution in 1792 drove the Muntz family to emigrate from their aristocratic abode in France, and a younger son came to this town, where he married a Miss Purden, and established himself in business. From this alliance sprung our race of the Muntzes. George Frederic, the eldest, was born in November, 1794, and losing his father in early life, was head of the family in his 18th year. He devoted himself for many years, and with great success, to mercantile affairs, but his most fortunate undertaking, and which has made his name known all over the world, was the manufacture of sheathing metal for ships bottoms. It has been doubted whether he did any more than revive another man's lapsed patent, but it has never been questioned that he made a vast sum of money out of the "yellow metal." In politics, G.F.M. took a very active part, even before the formation of the Political Union in 1830, and for many years he was the idol of his fellow-townsmen. He was elected M.P. for Birmingham, in January, 1840, and held the seat till the day of his death, which took place July 30, 1857. His name will be found on many a page of our local history, even though a statue of him is not yet posed on a pedestal.

Murdoch, William.—Born at Bellow Mill, near Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, in 1750, and brought up as a millwright, came here in search of work in 1777. He was employed by Boulton at 15s. per week for the first two years, but he soon became the most trusted of all the many engaged at Soho, and never left there though offered L1,000 a year to do so. The first steam engine applied to drawing carriages was constructed by him in the shape of a model which ran round a room in his house at Redruth in 1784, and which is still in existence. As an inventor, he was second only to Watt, his introduction of gas lighting being almost equal to that of the steam engine. He lived to be 85, dying November 15, 1839, at his residence, Sycamore Hill, Handsworth. His remains lie near those of his loved employers, Boulton and Watt, in the parish church.

Pettitt.—Mr. Joseph Pettitt, who died Sept. 9, 1882, in his 70th year, was a local artist of note, a member of the Society of Artists, and for many years a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, our local, and other exhibitions. In his younger years Mr. Pettitt was employed in the papier-mache trade, a business peculiarly suited to persons gifted with artistic faculties. His earliest specimens of landscape attracted attention, and Mr. Joseph Gillott commissioned the painter to furnish a number of Swiss views for the collection of pictures he had began to gather. Mr. Pettitt pleased the penmaker, and soon made a name for himself, his works being characterised by fine colour and broad vigorous handling.

Phillips, Alderman, died Feb. 25, 1876. A member of the first Town Council, and Mayor in 1844. Mr. Phillips long took active part in municipal matters, and was the founder of the Licensed Victuallers' Asylum.

Pickard, James.—A Birmingham button maker, who patented, Aug. 23, 1780, the use of the crank in the steam engine to procure rotary motion. He is supposed to have got the idea from overhearing the conversation of some Soho workmen while at their cups. The first engine in which it was used (and the fly-wheel) was for a manufacturer in Snow Hill, and was put up by Matthew Washborough, of Bristol.

Plant.—Mr. T.L. Plant, who died very suddenly in a railway carriage in which he was coming into town on the morning of August 31, 1883, came to Birmingham in 1840. As a meteorologist, who for more than forty years had kept close record of wind and weather, he was well known; his letters to the newspapers on this and kindred subjects were always interesting, and the part he took in advanced sanitary questions gained him the friendship of all. Mr. Plant was a native of Yorkshire, and was in his 64th year at the time of his death.

Playfair, William (brother of the eminent Scotch mathematician) was engaged as a draughtsman at the Soho Works, after serving apprenticeship as a millwright. He patented various inventions, and was well known as a political writer, &c. Born, 1759; died, 1823.

Postgate, John.—This name should be honoured in every household for a life's exertion in the obtainment of purity in what we eat and drink. Beginning life as a grocer's boy, he saw the most gross adulteration carried on in all the varieties of articles sold by his employers, and afterwards being with a medical firm, he studied chemistry, and devoted his life to analysing food and drugs. Coming to this town in 1854, he obtained the assistance of Mr. Wm. Scholefield, by whose means the first Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry was appointed; the revelations were astounding, but it was not till 1875 that anything like a stringent Act was passed whereby the adulterators could be properly punished. The author of this great national benefit was allowed to die almost in poverty, uncared for by his countrymen at large, or by his adopted townsmen of Birmingham. Born October 21, 1820, Mr. Postgate died in July, 1881.

Ragg, Rev. Thomas.—Once a bookseller and printer, editor and publisher of the Birmingham Advertiser, and author of several works, one of which secured for him the goodwill of the Bishop of Rochester, who ordained him a minister of the Established Church in 1858. He died December 3rd, 1881, in his 74th year, at Lawley, Salop, having been perpetual curate thereof from 1865. His parishioners and friends subscribed for a memorial window, and a fund of a little over L200 was raised for the benefit of the widow, but a very small part thereof went from Birmingham.

Ratcliffe.—Mr. John Ratcliffe, who had in past years been a Town Commissioner, a Low Bailiff, a Town Councillor, and Alderman, was chosen as Mayor in 1856, and, being popular as well as wealthy, got reappointed yearly until 1859. In the first-named year, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge was the Mayor's guest when he came to open Calthorpe Park. When the Princess Royal was married, in 1858, the Mayor celebrated the auspicious event by giving a dinner to more than a thousand poor people, and he headed the deputation which was sent from here to present England's royal daughter with some articles of Birmingham manufacture. On the occasion of the Queen's visit to open Aston Park, Mr. Mayor received the honour of Knighthood, and became Sir John, dying in 1864, in his 67th year.

Rennie, John.—The celebrated engineer and architect, who built Waterloo and Southwark Bridges, Plymouth Breakwater, &c., was for a short time in the employ of Boulton and Watt.

Roebuck, Dr. John, grandfather of the late John Arthur Roebuck, M.D. was born at Sheffield in 1718; came to Birmingham in 1745. He introduced better methods of refining gold and silver, originated more economical styles of manufacturing the chemicals used in trade (especially oil of vitriol), and revived the use of pit coal in smelting iron. After leaving this town he started the Carron Ironworks on the Clyde, and in 1768 joined James Watt in bringing out the latter's steam engine. Some mining investments failed before the engine was perfected, and his interest thereon was transferred to Mr. Boulton, the doctor dying in 1794 a poor man.

Rogers.—John Rogers, one of "the glorious army of martyrs," was burnt at Smithfield (London) on February 4, 1555. He was born in Deritend about the year 1500, and assisted in the translation and printing of the Bible into English. He was one of the Prebendaries of St. Paul's, London, but after Queen Mary came to the throne he gave offence by preaching against idolatry and superstition, and was kept imprisoned for eighteen months prior to condemnation and execution, being the first martyr of the Reformation. He left a wife and eleven children. See "Statues and Memorials."

Russell.—William Congreve Russell, Esq., J.P., and in 1832 elected M.P. for East Worcestershire, who died Nov. 30, 1850, aged 72, was the last of a family whose seat was at Moor Green for many generations.

Ryall, Dr. John.—The first headmaster of the Edgbaston Proprietary School, which opened under his superintendence in January, 1838, his connection therewith continuing till Christmas, 1846. He was a man of great learning, with a remarkable command of language, and a singularly accurate writer. Born March 11, 1806, his intellectual acquirements expanded so rapidly that at sixteen he was able to support himself, and, passing with the highest honours, he had taken his degree and accepted the head mastership of Truro Grammar School before his 21st birthday. For the last 30 years of his life he filled the post of Vice-President of Queen's College, Cork, departing to a better sphere June 21, 1875.

Ryland, Arthur.—Descendant of a locally long-honoured family this gentleman, a lawyer, added considerably to the prestige of the name by the prominent position he took in every work leading to the advancement of his townsmen, social, moral, and political. Connected with almost every institution in the borough, many of which he aided to establish or develop. Mr. Ryland's name is placed foremost among the founders of the Birmingham and Midland Institute, the Art Gallery, the public Libraries, the Hospitals for Women and Children, the Sanatorium, &c., while he was one of the greatest friends to the Volunteer movement and the adoption of the School Board's system of education. During life he was appointed to all the leading offices of citizenship, in addition to being chosen President of the Law Society and other bodies. He died at Cannes, March 23, 1877, in his 70th year.

Scholefield, William.—Son of Joshua Scholefield, was chosen as the first Mayor after the incorporation, having previously been the High Bailiff of the Court Leet. In 1847 he was elected M.P., holding that office through five Parliaments and until his death July 9, 1867 (in his 58th year). In the House, as well as in his private life and business circles, he was much esteemed for the honest fixity of purpose which characterised all his life.

Shaw, Charles, commonly known as "Charley" Shaw, was a large manufacturing merchant, and held high position as a moneyed man for many years down to his death. He was as hard as a nail, rough as a bear, and many funny tales have been told about him, but he is worth a place in local history, if only for the fact that it was principally through his exertions that the great monetary panic of 1837 was prevented from becoming almost a national collapse.

Sherlock.—Though not to be counted exactly as one of our Birmingham men, Thomas Sherlock, Bishop of London, who purchased the manor estates in or about 1730, must have a place among the "noteworthies." Hutton states that when the Bishop made his bargain the estate brought in about L400 per annum, but that in another thirty years or so it had increased to twice the value. The historian goes on to say that "the pious old Bishop was frequently solicited to grant building leases, but answered, 'his land was valuable, and if built upon, his successor, at the expiration of the term, would have the rubbish to carry off:' he therefore not only refused, but prohibited his successor from granting such leases. But Sir Thomas Gooch, who succeeded him, seeing the great improvement of the neighbouring estates, and wisely judging fifty pounds per acre preferable to five, procured an Act in about 1766, to set aside the prohibiting clause in the Bishop's will. Since which, a considerable town may be said to have been erected upon his property, now (1787) about L2,400 per annum." Bishop and historian alike, would be a little astonished at the present value of the property, could they see it.

Small, Dr. William.—A friend of Boulton, Watt, and Priestley, and one of the famous Lunar Society, born in county Angus, Scotland, in 1734, dying here in 1778. A physician of most extensive knowledge, during a residence in America he filled the chair of Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Williamsburg, Virginia. In the beautiful pleasure grounds of Soho House, when Matthew Boulton lived, there was an urn inscribed to the memory of Dr. Small, on which appeared some impressive lines written by Dr. Darwin, of Derby:—

"Here, while no titled dust, no sainted bone, No lover weeping over beauty's bier, No warrior frowning in historic stone, Extorts your praises, or requests your tear; Cold Contemplation leans her aching head, On human woe her steady eye she turns, Waves her meek hand, and sighs for Science dead, For Science, Virtue, and for SMALL she mourns."

Smith.—Mr. Brooke Smith (of the well-known firm of Martineau and Smith), a valued supporter of Penn Street and Dale Street Industrial Schools, the Graham Street Charity, and other institutions connected with the welfare of the young, died in April, 1876, in his 78th year. A Liberal in every way, the sound common sense of Mr. Brooke Smith, who was noted for an unvarying courtesy to all parties and creeds, kept him from taking any active share in local politics where urbanity and kindliness is heavily discounted.

Sturge, Joseph.—Born August 2, 1793, at Alberton, a village on the Severn, was intended for a farmer, but commenced trading as a cornfactor at Bewdley, in 1814, his brother Charles joining him in 1822, in which year they also came to Birmingham. Mr. Sturge was chosen a Town Commissioner, but resigned in 1830, being opposed to the use of the Town Hall being granted for oratorios. He was one of the directors of the London and Birmingham Railway when it was opened in 1836, but objecting to the running of Sunday trains, withdrew from the board. In 1838 he was elected Alderman for St. Thomas's Ward, but would not subscribe to the required declaration respecting the Established religion. At a very early date he took an active part in the Anti-slavery movement, and his visit to the West Indies and subsequent reports thereon had much to do with hastening the abolition of slavery. When the working-classes were struggling for electoral freedom and "the Charter," Mr. Sturge was one of the few found willing to help them, though his peace-loving disposition failed to induce them to give up the idea of "forcing" their rights. Having a wish to take part in the making of the laws, he issued an address to the electors of Birmingham in 1840, but was induced to retire; in August, 1842, he contested Nottingham, receiving 1,801 votes against his opponent's 1885; in 1844 he put up for Birmingham, but only 364 votes were given him; and he again failed at Leeds in 1847, though he polled 1,976 voters. In 1850 he visited Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark, and in February, 1854, St. Petersburgh, each time in hopes of doing something to prevent the wars then commencing, but failure did not keep him from Finland in 1856 with relief for the sufferers. In 1851 he took a house in Ryland Road and fitted it up as a reformatory, which afterwards led to the establishment at Stoke Prior. Mr. Sturge died on May 14, 1859, and was buried on the 20th in Bull Street. His character needs no comment, for he was a Christian in his walk as well as in his talk.

Taylor, John.—Died in 1775, aged 64, leaving a fortune of over L200,000, acquired in the manufacture of metal buttons, japanned ware, snuff boxes, &c. It is stated that he sent out L800 worth of buttons weekly, and that one of his workmen earned 70s. per week by painting snuff boxes at 1/4d. each. Mr. Taylor must have had a monopoly in the latter, for this one hand at the rate named must have decorated some 170,000 boxes per annum.

Tomlins.—Samuel Boulton Tomlins, the son of a local iron merchant (who was one of the founders of the Birmingham Exchange) and Mary Harvey Boulton (a near relative to Matthew) was born September 28, 1797, at Park House, in Park Street, then a vine-covered residence surrounded by gardens. His mother was so great a favourite with Baskerville that the celebrated printer gave her one of two specially-printed Bibles, retaining the other for himself. After serving an apprenticeship to a bookseller, Mr. Tomlins was taken into Lloyd's Bank as a clerk, but was soon promoted to be manager of the branch then at Stockport, but which was taken over afterwards by a Manchester Banking Company, with whom Mr. Tomlins stayed until 1873, dying September 8, 1879.

Ulwin.—Though nearly last in our list, Ulwin, or Alwyne, the son of Wigod, and the grandson of Woolgeat, the Danish Earl of Warwick, must rank first among our noteworthy men, if only from the fact that his name is absolutely the first found in historical records as having anything to do with Birmingham. This was in King Edward the Confessor's time, when Alwyne was Sheriff (vice-comes) and through his son Turchill, who came to be Earl of Warwick, the Ardens and the Bracebridges trace their descent from the old Saxon kings, Alwyne's mother being sister to Leofric, III., Earl of Mercia. Whether Alwyne thrived on his unearned increment or not, the politicians of the time have not told us, but the possessions that came to him by the Dano-Saxon marriage of his parents seems to have been rather extensive, as it is written that he owned not only the manor of Birmingham, but also Halesowen, Escelie, Hagley, and Swinford in Wirecescire (Worcestershire), Great Barr, Handsworth, Penn, Rushall and Walsall, in Staffordshire, as well as Aston, Witton, Erdington, and Edgbaston. The modern name of Allen is deducible from Alwyne, and the bearers thereof, if so inclined, may thus be enabled to also claim a kingly descent, and much good may it do them.

Underwood, Thomas.—The first printer to introduce the art of lithography into Birmingham, and he is also credited with being the discoverer of chromo-litho, and the first to publish coloured almanacks and calendars. He did much to foster the taste for art, but will probably be most generally recollected by the number of views of old Birmingham and reproductions of pictures and maps of local interest that he published. Mr. Underwood died March 14, 1882, in his 73rd year.

Van Wart.—Henry Van Wart, was born near New York, Sept. 25, 1783, and took up his abode with us in 1808. By birth an American, by descent a Dutchman, he became a Brum through being naturalised by special Act of Parliament, and for nearly seventy years was one of our principal merchants. He was also one of the first Aldermen chosen for the borough. Died Feb. 15, 1873, in his 90th year.

Ward.—Humble Ward, son of Charles I.'s jeweller, who married the daughter of the Earl of Dudley, was created Baron Ward of Birmingham. Their son Edward thus came to the title of Lord Dudley and Ward in 1697.

Warren.—Thomas Warren was a well-known local bookseller of the last century. He joined Wyatt and Paul in their endeavours to establish the Cotton Spinning Mill, putting L1,000 into the speculation, which unfortunately landed him in bankruptcy. He afterwards became an auctioneer, and in 1788 had the pleasure of selling the machinery of the mill in which forty years previous his money had been lost.

Watt, James, was born at Greenock, Jan. 19, 1736, and (if we are to credit the somewhat apocryphal anecdote of his testing the power of steam as it issued from his aunt's teakettle when a little lad barely breeched) at an early age he gave evidence of what sort of a man he would be. In such a condensed work as the present book, it is impossible to give much of the life of this celebrated genius; but fortunately there are many biographies of him to which the student can refer, as well as scientific and other tomes, in which his manifold inventions have been recorded, and in no corner of the earth where the steam-engine has been introduced can his name be unknown. After many years' labour to bring the new motive power into practical use, Watt, helped by his friend Dr. Roebuck, took out his first patent in 1769. Roebuck's share was transferred to Matthew Boulton in 1773, and in the following year James Watt came to Birmingham. An Act of Parliament prolonging the patent for a term of twenty-four years was obtained in May, 1775, and on the first of June was commenced the world-famous partnership of Boulton and Watt. Up to this date the only engine made to work was the one brought by Watt from Scotland, though more than nine years had been spent on it, and thousands of pounds expended in experiments, improvements, and alterations. Watt's first residence here was in Regent's Place, Harper's Hill, to which (Aug. 17, 1775) he brought his second wife. He afterwards removed to Heathfield, where the workshop in which he occupied his latest years still remains, as on the day of his death. In 1785, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society; in 1806, the University of Glasgow conferred the degree of LL.D. upon him, and in 1808 he was elected a member of the National Institute of France. One of the latest inventions of James Watt was a machine for the mechanical copying of sculpture and statuary, its production being the amusement of his octogenarian years, for, like his partner Boulton, Watt was permitted to stay on the earth for longer than the so-called allotted term, his death taking place on the 19th of August, 1819, when he was in his 83rd year. He was buried in Handsworth Church, where there is a monument, the features of which are said to be very like him. A statue was erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey in 1824, and others have been set up in Birmingham, Manchester, Greenock, and Glasgow. The following is the inscription (written by Lord Brougham) on the tomb of Watt in Westminster Abbey, towards the cost of which George IV. contributed L500:—

"Not to perpetuate a name which must endure while the peaceful arts flourish, but to show that mankind have learned to honour those who best deserve their gratitude, the King, his ministers, and many of the nobles and commoners of the realm, raised this monument to JAMES WATT, who, directing the force of an original genius, early exercised in philosophical research, to the improvement of the steam-engine, enlarged the resources of his country, increased the power of man, and rose to an eminent place among the most illustrious followers of science and the real benefactors of the world. Born at Greenock, 1736; died at Heathfield, in Staffordshire, 1819."

One of James Watt's sons, Gregory, who devoted himself to science and literature, died in 1804, at the early age of 27. James, born Feb. 5, 1769, resided for a number of years at Aston Hall, where he died in 1848. In 1817 he voyaged to Holland in the first steam vessel that left an English port, the engines having been manufactured at Soho. He was of a very retiring disposition, and not particularly popular with the public, though valued and appreciated by those admitted to closer intimacy.

West.—Though he did not come to Birmingham until close upon sixty years of age, being born in 1770, William West, in his "History of Warwickshire," published one of the best descriptions of this town ever yet prepared. He had establishments in London and Cork, and was the author of several amusing and interesting works, such as "Tavern Anecdotes," "Fifty Years' Recollections of an Old Bookseller." &c., now scarce, though "West's Warwickshire" may often be met with at the "Chaucer's Head," and other old bookshops.

Williams, Fleetwood, who died in 1836, at the early age of 29, was the author of sundry locally interesting prose works and poetical "skits." He was connected with several debating clubs, and showed talent that promised future distinction.

Willmore.—James Tibbets Willmore, a native of Handsworth, was an eminent landscape engraver, famed for his reproductions of Turner's works. His death occurred in March, 1863, in his 63rd year.

Winfield.—Mr. Robert Walter Winfield, though he took comparatively little part in the public life of our town, deserves a prominent place among our men of note as a manufacturer who did much towards securing Birmingham a somewhat better name than has occasionally been given it, in respect to the quality of the work sent out. Starting early in life, in the military ornament line, Mr. Winfield began in a somewhat small way on the site of the present extensive block of buildings known as Cambridge Street Works, which has now developed into an establishment covering several acres of land. Here have been manufactured some of the choicest specimens of brass foundry work that could be desired, no expense being spared at any time in the procuring of the best patterns, and (which is of almost equal importance) the employment of the best workmen. The goods sent from Cambridge Street to the first Great Exhibition, 1851, obtained the highest award, the Council's Gold Medal, for excellence of workmanship, beauty of design, and general treatment, and the house retains its position. Mr. Winfield was a true man, Conservative in politics, but most, truly liberal in all matters connected with his work-people and their families. In the education and advancement of the younger hands he took the deepest interest, spending thousands in the erection of schools and the appointment of teachers for them, and not a few of our present leading men have to thank him for their first step in life. The death of his only son, Mr. J.F. Winfield, in 1861, was a great blow to the father, and caused him to retire from active business through failing health. His death (Dec. 16, 1869), was generally felt as a loss to the town.

Wyatt.—John Wyatt, one of Birmingham's most ingenious sons, invented (in 1738) the spinning of cotton by means of rollers, but unlike Richard Arkwright, who afterwards introduced a more perfect machine and made a fortune, the process was never other than a source of loss to the original inventor and his partners, who vainly tried to make it a staple manufacture of the town. The weighing machine was also the work of Wyatt's brain, though he did not live to see the machine in use, dying Nov. 29, 1766, broken down by misfortune, but honoured by such men as Baskerville and Boulton who, then rising themselves, knew the worth of the man whose loss they deplored. Wyatt's grave is on the Blue Coat School side of St. Philip's churchyard.

Wyon.—A celebrated local family of die-sinkers and medalists. William Wyon (born in 1795) receiving the gold medal of the Society of Arts, for his medal of Ceres, obtained in 1816 the post of second engraver at the Mint, his cousin, Thomas Wyon, being then the chief. One of the finest medals engraved by him was that of Boulton, struck by Thomason, in high relief, and 4in. in diameter. He died in 1851, having produced all the coins and medals for Queen Victoria and William IV., part of George IV.'s, and prize medals for many societies. His son, Leonard Wyon, produced the Exhibition medals in 1851.

The preceding are really but a few of the men of note whose connection with Birmingham has been of historical interest, and the catalogue might be extended to great length with the names of the De Birminghams, the Smalbrokes, Middlemores, Colmores, and others of the old families alone. Scores of pages would not suffice to give even the shortest biographies of the many who, by their inventive genius and persistent labour, placed our town at the head of the world's workshops, the assistants and followers of the great men of Soho, the Thomasons, Taylors, and others living in the early part of the century, or the Elkingtons, Chances, &c., of later days. A volume might easily be filled with lives of scientific and literary men of the past, Hutton the historian, Morfitt, poet and barrister; Beilby, Hodgetts, Hudson, and other bookmen, to say naught of the many Press writers (who in their day added not a little to the advancement of their fellow-townsmen), or the venerable doctors, the school teachers and scholars, the pastors and masters of the old School and the old Hospital. Mention is made of a few here and there in this book; of others there have been special histories published, and, perchance some day "Birmingham men" will form the title of a more comprehensive work.

Novel Sight.—The appearance in the streets of Birmingham of a real war vessel would be a wonderful thing even in these days of railways and steam. Sir Rowland Hill, speaking of his childhood's days, said he could recollect once during the war with Napoleon that a French gunboat was dragged across the country, and shown in Birmingham at a small charge. He had never then seen any vessel bigger than a coal barge, but this was a real ship, with real anchor and real ship guns.

Numbering of Houses.—We are rapidly improving in many ways, and the gradual introduction of the system of alternate numbering, the odd numbers on one side of the street, and the evens on the other, is an advance in the right direction. Still, the fixing of the diminutive figure plate on the sideposts of a door, or, as is frequently found to be the case, in the shadow of a porch, is very tantalising, especially to the stranger. Householders should see that the No. is placed in a conspicuous spot, and have the figures painted so that they can be well seen even on a dusky evening.

Nunneries.—See "Religious Associations."

Nurseries.—The outskirts, and indeed many parts of the town, less than a century back were studded with gardens, but the flowers have had to give place to the more prosaic bricks and mortar, and householders desirous of floral ornaments have now in a great measure to resort to the nursery grounds of the professed horticulturists. Foremost among the nurseries of the neighbourhood are those of Mr. R.H. Vertegans, Chad Valley, Edgbaston which were laid out some thirty-five years ago. The same gentleman has another establishment of even older date at Malvern, and a third at Metchley. The grounds of Messrs. Pope and Sons, at King's Norton, are also extensive and worthy of a visit. There are other nurseries at Solihull (Mr. Hewitt's), at Spark hill (Mr. Tomkins'), at Handsworth (Mr. Southhall's), and in several other parts of the suburbs. The Gardeners' Chronicle, the editor of which is supposed to be a good judge, said that the floral arrangement at the opening of the Mason Science College surpassed anything of the kind ever seen in Birmingham, Mr. Vertegans having supplied not less than thirty van loads, comprising over 5,000 of the choicest exotic flowers and evergreens.

Oak Leaf Day.—In the adjoining counties, and to a certain extent in Birmingham itself, it has been the custom for carters and coachmen to decorate their horses' heads and their own hats with sprays of oak leaves on the 29th of May, and 99 out of the 100 would tell you they did so to commemorate Charles II. hiding in the oak tree near to Boscobel House. It is curious to note how long an erroneous idea will last. The hunted King would not have found much shelter in his historical oak in the month of May, as the trees would hardly have been sufficiently in leaf to have screened him, and, as it happened, it was the 4th of September and not the 29th of May when the event occurred. The popular mistake is supposed to have arisen from the fact that Charles made his public entry into London on May 29, which was also his birthday, when the Royalists decked themselves with oak in remembrance of that tree having been instrumental in the King's restoration.

Obsolete Street Names.—Town improvements of one sort and another have necessitated the entire clearance of many streets whose names may be found inscribed on the old maps, and their very sites will in time be forgotten. Changes in name have also occurred more frequently perhaps than may be imagined, and it will be well to note a few. As will be seen, several streets have been christened and re-christened more than once.

Baskerville-street is now Easy-row.

Bath-road is Bristol-street.

Beast Market was that part of High-street contiguous to New-street; also called English Market.

Bewdley-street, afterwards Ann-street, now Colmore-row.

Birch Hole-street has been improved to Birchall street.

Black Boy Yard is now Jamaica-row.

Brick Kiln lane is the Horse Fair.

Broad-street—Dale End was so called in the 15th century.

Buckle-row. Between Silver-street and Thomas-street.

Button Alley—Bishop-street, Masshouse-lane.

Butts-lane—Tanter-street; The Butts being Stafford-street.

Catherine-street—Whittal-street.

Cawsey (The Causeway)—Lower part of Digbeth.

Chapel-street—Bull-street was so called in the 14th century.

Chappel-row—Jennens'-row and Buck-street.

Charles or Little Charles-street—Now part of New Edmund-street.

Cock-street—Upper part of Digbeth; also called Well-street.

Colmore-street—From Worcester-street to Peck-lane.

Cony Greve street is now Congreve-street.

Cooper's Mill-lane is Heathmill-lane.

Corbett's Alley—Union-street.

Corn Cheaping or Corn Market was part of the Bull Ring.

Court-lane—Moat-lane.

Cottage-lane—Sheepcote-lane.

Crescent-street—Part of King Edward's Road.

Cross-street—Vauxhall-street.

Crown-street, afterwards Nelson-street is now Sheepcote-street.

Deadman's Lane—Warstone-lane.

Ditch—The Gullet was The Ditch.

Dock Alley—New Inkleys.

Dudwall-lane—Dudley-street

Farmer-street—Sand-street.

Ferney Fields—Great Hampton-street

Feck-lane or Peck-lane—Covered by New-street Station.

God's Cart-lane—Carrs-lane.

Grindstone-lane—Westfield-road.

Hangman's-lane, or Hay Barns-lane—Great Hampton-row.

Harlow-street—Edmund-street.

Haymarket—one of the names given to Ann-street.

High Town—Upper part of Bull Ring.

Hill-street—Little Charles-street.

Jennings-street—Fox-street.

King-street and Queen-street, as well as Great Queen-street, have made way for New-street Station.

Lake Meadow-hill—Bordesley-street and Fazeley-street.

Lamb-yard—Crooked-lane.

Long-lane—Harborne-road.

Ludgate-hill was part of Church-street.

Martin-street—Victoria-street.

Mercer-street, or Spicer-street—Spiceal-street.

Mount Pleasant—Ann-street.

New road—Summer-row.

Old Meeting-street has at various periods been known as Grub-street, Littleworth street, New-row, and Phillips-street.

Pemberton's-yard, Lower Minories, or Coach-yard—Dalton-street.

Pitt-street and Porter-street were portions of Old Cross-street.

Priors Conigree-lane, or Whitealls-lane is now Steelhouse-lane.

Priory-lane—Monmouth-street.

Rother Market—New-street next to High-street and High-street next to New-street was once so called.

Sandy-lane—Snow Hill in the 16th century. Lee Bank-road has also been called Sandy-lane.

Shambles—Part of Bull Ring.

Swan Alley—Worcester-street.

Swinford-street—Upper end of New-street.

Temple Alley, also called Tory-row—Temple-row.

Walmer-lane (in the 15th century Wold Moors)—Lancaster-street.

Water-street—Floodgate-street.

Welch End or Welch Market—Junction of Bull-street, High-street, and Dale End.

Westley's-row, Westley-street, or London 'Prentice-street forms part of Dalton-street.

Withering-street—Union-street.

Wyllattes Green—Prospect Row.

Old Cock Pump.—This was the old pump formerly under St. Martin's Churchyard wall, from which the water-carriers and others obtained their supply of drinking water. The rule of the pump was "last come last served," and frequently a long string of men, women, and children might be seen waiting their turn. Many of us can recollect the old Digbeth men, with their shoulder-yoke and two buckets, plodding along to find customers for their "Warta;" and certain elderly ladies are still in existence who would fear the shortening of their lives were their tea-kettles filled with aught but the pure Digbeth water, though it does not come from the pump at St. Martin's, for that was removed in 1873. It has been written that on one occasion (in the days before waterworks were practicable, and the old pump was a real blessing), when the poor folks came to fill their cans early in the morning, they found the handle gone, and great was the outcry thereat. It soon afterwards transpired that a blacksmith, short of iron, had taken the handle to make into horseshoes.

Old Meeting House Yard.—The name gives its own origin. One of the earliest built of our Dissenting places of worship was here situated.

Old Square.—There are grounds for believing that this was the site of the Hospital or Priory of St. Thomas the Apostle; the reason of no foundations or relics of that building having been come across arising from its having been erected on a knoll or mount there, and which would be the highest bit of land in Birmingham. This opinion is borne out by the fact that the Square was originally called The Priory, and doubtless the Upper and Lower Priories and the Minories of later years were at first but the entrance roads to the old Hospital, as it was most frequently styled in deeds and documents. Mr. John Pemberton, who purchased this portion of the Priory lands in 1697, and laid it out for building, would naturally have it levelled, and, not unlikely from a reverent feeling, so planned that the old site of the religious houses should remain clear and undesecrated. From old conveyances we find that 20s. per yard frontage was paid for the site of some of the houses in the square, and up to 40s. in Bull Street; the back plots, including the Friends' burial ground (once gardens to the front houses) being valued at 1s. to 2s. per yard. Some of the covenants between the vendor and the purchasers are very curious, such as that the latter "shall and will for ever hereafter putt and keep good bars of iron or wood, or otherwise secure all the lights and windows that are or shall be, that soe any children or others may not or cannot creep through, gett, or come through such lights or windows into or upon the same piece of land." Here appears the motive for the erection of the iron railings so closely placed in front of the old houses. Another covenant was against "putting there any muckhill or dunghill places, pigstyes or workhouses, shopps or places that shall he noysome or stink, or be nautionse or troublesome," and also to have there "no butcher's or smith's slaughter house or smithey harth." One of the corner houses, originally called "the Angle House," was sold in 1791 for L420; in 1805 it realised L970; in 1843, L1,330? and in 1853, L2,515. The centre of the Square was enclosed and neatly kept as a garden with walks across, for the use of the inhabitants there, but (possibly it was "nobody's business") in course of time it became neglected, and we have at least one instance, in 1832, of its being the scene of a public demonstration. About the time of the Parliamentary election in that year, the carriageway round the Square had been newly macadamised, and on the polling day, when Dempster Heming opposed William Stratford Dugdale, the stones were found very handy, and were made liberal use of, as per the usual order of the day at that time on such occasions. The trees and railings were removed in 1836 or 1837 in consequence of many accidents occurring there, the roadways being narrow and very dangerous from the numerous angles, the Street Commissioners undertaking to give the inhabitants a wide and handsome flagging as a footpath on all sides of the square, conditionally with the freeholders of the property giving up their rights to and share in the enclosure.

Omnibuses.—The first omnibus was started in 1828, by Mr. Doughty, a fishmonger, and its route lay between the White Swan, Snow Hill, to the Sun, in Bristol Road. In 1836 an "Omnibus Conveyance Co," was proposed, with a magnificent capital of L5,000. The projectors would have been a little startled if they could have seen the prospectuses of some of our modern conveyance companies.—See "Tramways."

Open Spaces.—March 8, 1883, saw the formation of the Birmingham Association for the Prevention of Open Spaces and Public Footpaths, the object of which is to be the securing of the rights of the public to the open spots, footpaths, and green places, which, for generations, have belonged to them. There are few such left in the borough now, but the Association may find plenty to do in the near neighbourhood, and if its members can but save us one or two of the old country walks they will do good service to the community.

Orange Tree.—This public-house was built in 1780, the neighbourhood being then known as "Boswell Heath." A walk to the Orange Tree over the "hilly fields," where Conybere and other streets now are, was a pleasant Sunday morning ramble even forty years back.

Oratory.—See "Places of Worship."

Organs.—According to the oft-quoted extract from the Halesowen Churchwardens' books—"1497. Paid for repeyling the organs to the organ maker at Bromycham 10s,"—organ-building must have been one of the few recognised trades of this town at a very early date. It is a pity the same accounts do not give the maker's name of the instruments for which in 1539 they "paid my lord Abbot 4 marks," or name the parties who were then employed and paid for "mending and setting the organs up, 40s." Whether any of the most celebrated organs in the country have, or have not, been made here, is quite uncertain, though the Directories and papers of all dates tell us that makers thereof have never been wanting. In 1730, one Thomas Swarbrick made the organ for St. Mary's Church, Warwick, and the Directory for 1836 gives the name of Isaac Craddock (the original maker of the taper penholder), who repaired and in several cases enlarged the instruments at many of our places of worship, as well as supplying the beautiful organ for St. Mary's, at Coventry.—The tale has often been told of the consternation caused by the introduction of a barrel organ into a church, when from some catch or other it would not stop at the finish of the first tune, and had to be carried outside, while the remainder of its repertoire pealed forth, but such instruments were not unknown in sacred edifices in this neighbourhood but a short time back [see "Northfield"].—A splendid organ was erected in Broad Street Music Hall when it was opened, and it was said to be the second largest in England, costing L2,000; it was afterwards purchased for St. Pancras' Church, London.—The organ in the Town Hall, constructed by Mr. Hill, of London, cost nearly L4,000 and, when put up, was considered to be one of the finest and most powerful in the world, and it cannot have lost much of its prestige, as many improvements have since been made in it. The outer case is 45ft. high, 40ft. wide, and 17ft. deep, and the timber used in the construction of the organ weighed nearly 30 tons. There are 4 keyboards, 71 draw stops, and over 4,000 pipes of various forms and sizes, some long, some short, some trumpet-like in shape, and others cylindrical, while in size they range from two or three inches in length to the great pedal pipe, 32ft. high and a yard in width, with an interior capacity of 224 cubic feet. In the "great organ" there are 18 stops, viz.: Clarion (2ft.), ditto (4ft.), posanne, trumpet, principal (1 and 2), gamba, stopped diapason, four open diapasons, doublette, harmonic flute, mixture sesquialtra, fifteenth, and twelfth, containing altogether 1,338 pipes. In the "choir organ" there are nine stops, viz.: Wald flute, fifteenth stopped flute, oboe flute, principal, stopped diapason, hohl flute, cornopean, and open diapason, making together 486 pipes. The "swell organ" contains 10 stops, viz.: Hautbois, trumpet, horn, fifteenth, sesquialtra, principal, stopped diapason, open diapason, clarion, and boureon and dulciana, the whole requiring 702 pipes. In the "solo organ" the principal stops are the harmonica, krum, horn, and flageolet, but many of the stops in the swell and choir organs work in connection with the solo. In the "pedal organ" are 12 stops, viz.: Open diapason 16ft. (bottom octave) wood, ditto, 16ft., metal, ditto, 16ft. (bottom octave) metal, bourdon principal, twelfth, fifteenth, sesquialtra, mixture, posanne, 8ft. trumpet, and 4ft. trumpet. There are besides, three 32ft. stops, one wood, one metal, and one trombone. There are four bellows attached to the organ, and they are of great size, one being for the 32ft. pipes alone. The Town Hall organ had its first public trial August 29, 1834, when the Birmingham Choral Society went through a selection of choruses, as a kind of advance note of the then coming Festival.

Orphanages.—The first local establishment of the nature of an orphanage was the so called Orphan Asylum in Summer Lane, built in 1797 for the rearing of poor children from the Workhouse. It was a very useful institution up to the time of its close in 1852, but like the Homes at Marston Green, where the young unfortunates from the present Workhouse are reared and trained to industrial habits, it was almost a misnomer to dub it an "orphan asylum."—An Orphanage at Erdington was begun by the late Sir Josiah Mason, in 1858, in connection with his Almshouses there, it being his then intention to find shelter for some three score of the aged and infantile "waifs and strays" of humanity. In 1860 he extended his design so far as to commence the present Orphanage, the foundation stone of which was laid by himself Sept. 19 in that year, the building being finished and first occupied in 1863. In addition to the expenditure of L60,000 on the buildings, the founder endowed the institution with land and property to the value of L250,000. No publicity was given to this munificent benevolence until the twelve months prescribed by the statute had elapsed after the date of the deed, when, on the 29th of July, 1869, the Orphanage and estates were handed over to seven trustees, who, together with Sir Josiah himself, formed the first Board of Management. At his death, as provided by the trust deed, seven other trustees chosen by the Birmingham Town Council were added to the Board. The inmates of the Orphanage are lodged, clothed, fed, maintained, educated, and brought up at the exclusive cost of the institution, there being no restriction whatever as to locality, nationality, or religious persuasion of parents or friends. In 1874 the building was enlarged, so as to accommodate 300 girls, 150 boys, and 50 infants, the original part being reserved for the girls and infants and a new wing built for the boys. The two are connected by the lofty dining hall, 200ft. long, with tables and seats for 500 children. Every part of the establishment is on a liberal scale and fitted with the best appliances; each child has its separate bed, and the playgrounds are most extensive.—The Princess Alice Orphanage, of which the foundation-stone was laid Sept. 19, 1882, has rather more than a Birmingham interest, as it is intended in the first instance for the reception of children from all parts of the country whose parents have been Wesleyans. In connection with the Wesleyan Thanksgiving Fund, Mr. Solomon Jevons, of this town, made an offer to the committee that if from the fund they would make a grant of L10,000 towards establishing an orphanage in the neighbourhood of Birmingham, he would supplement it by a donation of L10,000. After due consideration the offer was accepted. Plans were prepared by Mr. J.L. Ball for as much of the building as it was proposed immediately to erect, and the contract was let to Messrs. J. Wilson and Sons, of Handsworth. The sanction of her Majesty the Queen was obtained to call the building the "Princess Alice" Orphanage, in memory of her lamented daughter, the late Princess of Hesse. The site chosen is about halfway between Erdington and Sutton Coldfield on the Chester Road, and very near to the "Beggar's Bush." Facing the road, though forty yards from it, is the central block of buildings, 250 feet in length, including the master's house, board room and offices, store rooms, &c., with a large hall, 90 feet by 33 feet, for use as a dining hall, general gatherings, morning prayers, &c., the children's homes being in cottages at varying distances, so that when the whole twenty-four homes (twelve each for boys and girls) are erected it will be like a miniature village, sundry farm buildings and workshops being interspersed here and there. Each cottage is intended to be the home of about twenty children, but at first, and until the funds for the maintenance of the orphanage have been increased, the inmates will be limited to the accommodation that can be provided at the central block and the nearest two or three homes, the rest being built as occasion offers.

Oscott College.—See "Schools," &c.

Oxford, (Edward).—The boy Oxford who shot at the Queen, on June 10, 1840, was born here and had worked at several shops in the town.

Oxygen.—It was on the first of August, 1774, that Dr. Priestley discovered the nature of oxygen or "dephlogisticated air." If he could visit Oxygen Street in this town in August of any year, he would probably say that the air there to be breathed required dephlogisticating over and over again.

Packhorses.—In and about the year 1750 the only method of conveying parcels of goods from here to London was by means of packhorses, the charge being at the rate of L7 to L9 per ton; to Liverpool and Bristol, L5.

Panorama.—A circular erection in New Street, and now partly incorporated in the Society of Artists building, where early in the century panoramas of various kinds were exhibited.

Panoramic View.—A peculiar view of this town was published in 1847 by Ackermann of London, and was thus called, as it purported to give the thoroughfares pictorially, showing the houses as they would appear from a balloon over Moseley Street. The size was 27-1/2 in. by 14-3/4 in. As a curiosity it is prizable, but its correctness of delineation is marred very much by the plan adopted.