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18
This general diminution in the birth-rate has been
frequently attributed, more or less directly, to commercial
depression, and for that and other reasons,
the Registrar-General has since 1860 made a tabular
statement, showing the marriage and birth rates,
together with certain figures dealing with the exports,
imports, prices of certain commodities, etc. From an
examination of the Table between the years 1860-93,
the latest date available, the following facts have been
noted:—
1. The highest marriage-rate was recorded in 1873, and
the lowest in 1886.
2. The highest birth-rate was that for 1876, and the lowest
that for 1890.
3. The proportions of male to female births were maximal
in 1860 and 1863, and minimal in 1890.
4. The value of British exports per head was highest in
1872, and lowest in 1861.
5. The value of imports per head was highest in 1883, and
lowest in 1860.
6. The average price of wheat per quarter was highest in
1867, and lowest in 1893.
7. The amount cleared at the Bankers' Clearing House
per head of population was highest in 1890, and
lowest in 1868.
(The last statistics extend back to 1868 only.)
It is evident that the connection, if any exist,
between the first three and the remaining classes of
statistics is not a simple one, and that the influence
of the conditions of life which the latter indicate,
have a " resultant" effect only on the birth-rate. The