Artisans at Large.—­In March, 1868, the Birmingham artisans who reported on the Paris Exhibition of 1867, formed themselves into a society “to consider and discuss, from an artisan point of view, all such subjects as specially affect the artisan class; to promote and seek to obtain all such measures, legislative or otherwise, as shall appear beneficial to that class; and to render to each other mutual assistance, counsel, or encouragement.”  Very good, indeed!  The benefits which have arisen from the formation of this society are doubtless many, but as the writer has never yet seen a report, he cannot record the value of the mutual assistance rendered, or say what capital is left over of the original, fund of counsel and encouragement.

Barbers.—­A few knights of the razor in 1869 met together and formed a “Philanthropic Society of Hairdressers,” but though these gentlemen are proverbial for their gossiping propensities, they tell no tales out of school, and of their charity boast not.

Butchers.—­A Butchers’ Benefit and Benevolent Association was founded in 1877.

Coaldealers.—­The salesmen of black diamonds have a mutual benefit association, but as the secretary declines to give any information, we fear the mutual benefit consists solely of helping each other to keep the prices up.

Cannon Street Male Adult Provident Institution was established in 1841.  At the expiration of 1877 there were 8,994 members, with a balance in hand of L72,956 15s. 5d.  The total received from members to that date amounted to L184,900, out of which L131,400 had been returned in sick pay and funeral benefits, the payments out varying from 4s. to 20s. a week in sickness, with a funeral benefit of L20, L8 being allowed on the death of a wife.

Carr’s Lane Provident Institution was commenced in 1845, and has 299 male and 323 female members, with a capital of L5,488, the amount paid in 1883 on account of sickness being L242, with L54 funeral money.

Chemistry.—­A Midland Counties’ Chemists’ Association was formed in May, 1869.

Christ Church Provident Institution was established in 1835, and at the end of 1883, there were 646 male and 591 female members; during the year L423 had been paid among 138 members on account of sickness, besides L25 for funerals.  Capital about L5,800.  A junior or Sunday school branch also exists.

Church of the Saviour Provident Institution was started in 1857.

Church School Teachers.—­The Birmingham and District Branch of the Church Schoolmaster’s and Schoolmistresses’ Benevolent Institution was formed in 1866, and the members contribute about L250 per year to the funds.

Druids.—­The order of Druids has five Lodges here, with nearly 400 members.  The United Ancient Order of Druids has twenty-one Lodges, and about 1,400 members.

Ebenezer Chapel Sick Society was established in 1828.  Has 135 members, whose yearly payments average 32s. 6d., out of which 17s. dividend at Christmas comes back, the benefits being 10s. a week in sickness and L10 at death.