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20
periods of successive years. Such work is, however,
hardly within the scope of the present Report.
From the examination of the statistics for 1860-93
the following deductions appear to be admissible:—
1. That the low birth-rate is in part, and chiefly,
due to low marriage-rate;
2. That some of the reduction is due to
nished vigour of the population, and
3. That there are indications that the latter cause
is passing away.
In connection with the subject of birth-rates it
will be well to remark that they are calculated, as far
as this Parish is concerned at least, on the births
registered. At present no information is given as to
the date of birth, so that it is impossible to draw any
conclusions as to the frequency of births in any given
time, or to compare corresponding periods with each
other. The law allows a delay of six weeks in registering
a birth, so that the interval between birth and
registration may vary very considerably. Further, it
is eminently desirable that the civil state of the
parents should be returned, in the same manner as is
done with deaths, otherwise nothing is known of the
differences of birth-rates among the various classes
of life.
ILLEGITIMACY.
It is impossible on this occasion to say anything
on this subject. During the current year endeavours