in due course of time we shall doubtless have others of a similar character.  At any of the above, a visitor to the town (with money in his purse) can find first-class accommodation, and (in comparison with the London hotels of a like kind) at reasonably fair rates.  After these come a second grade, more suitable for commercial gentlemen, or families whose stay is longer, such as the new Stork Hotel, the Albion, in Livery Street, Bullivant’s, in Carr’s Lane, the Acorn, the Temperance at the Colonnade, and the Clarendon, in Temple Street, Dingley’s, in Moor Street, Knapp’s, in High Street, Nock’s, in Union Passage, the Plough and Harrow, in Hagley Road, the Swan, in New Street, the White Horse, in Congreve Street (opposite Walter Showell and Sons’ head offices), the Woolpack, in Moor Street, and the other Woolpack, now called St. Martin’s, at the back of the church.

For much entertaining information respecting the old taverns of Birmingham, the hotels of former days, we recommend the reader to procure a copy of S.D.R.’s little book on the subject, which is full of anecdotes respecting the frequenters of the then houses, as well as many quaint notes of the past.

The Acorn in Temple Street.—­The favourite resort of the “men of the time” a few score years ago was at one period so little surrounded with houses that anyone standing at its door could view a landscape stretching for miles, while listening to the song birds in the neighbouring gardens.  It dates from about 1750, and numbers among its successive landlords, Mr. John Roderick, the first auctioneer of that well-known name, Mr. James Clements, and Mr. Coleman, all men of mark.  The last-named host, after making many improvements in the premises and renewing the lease, disposed of the hotel to a Limited Liability Company for L15,500.  It is at present one of the best-frequented commercial houses in the town.

The Hen and Chickens.—­In Aris’s Gazette, of December 14, 1741, there appeared an advertisement, that there was “to be let, in the High Street, Birmingham, a very good-accustomed Inn, the sign of the Hen and Chickens, with stables, &c.”  Inasmuch as this advertisement also said “there is a very good Bowling Green joining to it,” it has been quoted by almost every writer of local history as an evidence of the popularity of those places of recreation, or as showing the open aspect of the then existing town.  This establishment is believed to have been on the site of Messrs. Manton’s cabinet warehouse, the adjoining Scotland Passage leading to the stables, and possibly to “the Bowling Green.”  In 1798, the tenant, Mrs. Lloyd, removed to a new house in New Street, and took the Hen and Chickens’ title with her, the place becoming famous as a posting-house, and afterwards, under Mr. William Waddell, as one of the most extensive coaching establishments in the Midlands.  A mere list only, of the Serene Highnesses, the Royalties, Nobility, and celebrated characters of all kinds,