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present incalculable. Such banks have now been in operation for some time, and have fully proved the advantages anticipated; and that, if you will take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves. The Savings Banks,―as many of you know, greatly to you comfort,-are provident means of accumulating sums of money by small deposits of silver. They worked, and continue to work, so well, so beneficially for the depositors, that it was considered a lower system of banking,-one that would receive as little as one penny, would reach a class who frequently would be able to save pence, but who could not save shillings. To give you an instance: -a gentleman the other day was telling me, that he and two or three others had established about twelve months since, I think, a penny bank in his neighbourhood, in the vicinity of Manchester; that already they held in trust £120, received in pence only, from a very small population as compared with ours. am not prepared at present to describe in detail every particular which may ultimately be brought into operation; but I will trust that a few gentlemen will charge themselves with the care requisite for the formation and carrying out the principles and practice of a penny bank. Fixed days and places must be appointed for receiving deposits; as small a sum as a penny to be received; and when the entries to the credit of each depositor shall amount to 5s., that sum shall then be carried to an account with the Savings Bank, where it would have the advantage of the Government interest. Each depositor would have a cheque book, in which would be entered his deposits. I expect that very many, especially among young people, will avail themselves of this simple and safe mode of economy, and so acquire a habit of frugality and prudence which will shield them against the temptation to indulgences beyond their means,—will be a source of comfort in sickness or distress,-will strengthen and elevate their characters, and make

them ever thankful for the opportunity of a safe deposit of their first penny.

Many who have not sufficient moral courage to withstand the inducements of the alehouse, while they have pence in their pockets,-who from mere habit, more than from any depravity, spend their money as they earn it,-who think only of the enjoyment of the day, leaving to-morrow to provide for itself,—will probably occasionally bring a few pence; and when once they find pleasure in doing so (a result which invariably follows), will continue that prudence. And when the hour of need arrives, instead of making application to the ruinous Loan Societies,-which, however well conducted, are, in my opinion, which I have formed upon the numerous cases brought before my brother magistrates and myself, productive of far more loss and misery than gain or comfort;-(sad reason have I for saying so, for in one day only it has been my painful duty to issue more than thirty orders for payment, with the power to distrain;)-instead of having to seek relief as a parish pauper;-or of asking alms from others; -they will then have the independent satisfaction of asking only for their own, out of the store of their own industry. The advantages and benefits to be derived, are, indeed, so manifest, that I will not occupy your time by expatiating upon them; but will proceed to recommend to you a plan for promoting health and comfort,-and that is, the establishment of baths, both warm and cold. My attention was first directed to this subject by an interesting statement made to me by a friend, who is one of the Commissioners of the public baths and wash-houses, in the parish of Marylebone, London. At his suggestion, I visited the institution, and was shewn the working of the system, and had the personal explanations of the manager. He informed me, that from that parish alone, 170,000 bathers yearly used those baths. The major portion were young per

sons, who derived therefrom so much pleasure as well as benefit, that bathing was considered one of their chief enjoyments. Hear Abernethy's opinion:"Next to eating and sleeping, the Swimming Bath ranks among the very foremost of the necessaries and supports of life. It is of far higher consequence, and of more general utility than any kind of manual exercise, gymnastic, or sport. It does not supersede, but it ought to come before these other practices. Time should be therefore found for the bath among the regular occupations of life; it ought to be a permanent institution, ranking immediately after the prime necessaries of our being. There certainly does not exist a greater device in the art of living, or a greater instrument for securing a vigorous and buoyant existence. It is one of the most powerful diversions to the current of business occupation; it can suspend for a time the pressure of our pursuits and anxieties, and return us fresh for the enjoyment of our other delights. To the three varieties of state which our bodies daily pass through, eating, working, sleeping, it would add a fourth, luxurious in itself, and increasing the relish for all the rest. It would contribute to realize the perfect definition of a good animal existence, which is, to have the appetite always fresh for whatever may be before it." I have mentioned this subject to a few interested in the same, because they have found so much enjoyment in bathing. They have made many inquiries into the management and success of such establishments about Manchester; and the result is so favourable, that we may with safety and remuneration to the promoters, establish on a moderate scale such an institution as shall be productive to this neighbourhood of the benefits I have described.

I have another plan (for I may as well give you all the contents of my budget now,-you may not have so much patience with me another time,) for the exclusive comfort of the men. You of the softer sex

must not frown, or be angry at such a proposition; for you will find it produce advantages to you. I have often noticed weavers and others,-weary, perhaps, with hours of incessant toil,-go out of their houses to some locality where they meet others who have sought the same relaxation: their exchange is generally by the side of a wall, or a hedge, or such like uncomfortable looking place; and I have wondered where the same individuals would go to in the evening and having understood that there are frequent morning adjournments to the public-house, I have concluded those places are the resort of many who visit them, because they have out of their own houses, and away from their work, but little social enjoyment provided for them.

Now all work and no play makes Jack a dull (sometimes a bad) boy." I am no advocate for labour without refreshment to the mind as well as to the body. The opulent classes have their club houses as places of social resort, where men meet together, and exchange compliments and general opinions, with mutual profit and pleasure,-though abased sometimes as all things are. I see no reason why you should not have your club-houses. I see no reason why you should not enjoy as much social confort as you can afford with prudence. You have Literary Institutions for the innocent pleasures of the tuin. Why not, then, have equally suitable for the person? All social meetings, if well-conducted, tend to self-improvement; but mere instructive establishments have not that cheerful, cosy, and comfortable character which you require at times. Man becomes careless of himself, when he leads a solitary or unsocial life: but when he associates with others, recognising the universal rules of propriety and good behaviour, in respecting them he soon learns to respect himself. I would, therefore, recommend you to form by subscription an Operative Club-house,-or, as that title is scarcely becoming,

call it an Operative Reading Room,-a plain large room, with equally plain furniture; but all scrupulously clean and neat. Let it be well lighted, and well warmed, and supplied with the leading newspapers. Do not permit the sale of beer, wine, or spirits; but substitute good tea and coffee, and bread and butter; and let the members have their pipes, and thus serenely and contentedly enjoy an evening hour. That is the picture of a club-house I would recommend. It may, as has been suggested to me, form part of the Bathing Establishment; and then two good objects would be promoted in one. It should be managed by a committee, who would be responsible for the maintenance of good conduct and obedience to the rules, and for the general regulation of its affairs. The expense would not be costly, or beyond the reach of those who frequent the publichouse. The chief benefits I expect you would derive, would be social relaxation occasionally from work, in a place respectable in its character. A little more attention would in time be given by many to their appearance there; a little more washing, and a little more brushing, and general neatness would soon follow. There would be less beer drinking, and consequently less money expended in pleasures of low character. Better health would soon be enjoyed; more general and more correct information would be obtained; your views upon all social matters would be more expanded and less prejudiced. Your wives would be glad of your absence from home, during your short visit to the club, that they may put the children to bed, clean up the house, and make all things look comfortable and happy for your return.

These three plans are questions of some social importance. They relate to economy, to health, and to comfort. I recommend them to you with all confidence; because similar institutions, on a larger scale, are found productive of benefit and enjoyment to the more opulent classes of society. Do not suppose you

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