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44
It is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate with accuracy the population
of the sub-districts, or the relative numbers of the sexes, so many
years after the census, and in a parish which has developed at once
largely and irregularly. I cannot pledge myself, therefore, for the
correctness of an estimate of 116,050 and 40,200 as the population
of Kensington Town and Brompton respectively. Still less can I
guarantee the estimate which would give an excess of 29,000 females
over males, the number calculated on an assumption that the relative
proportions of the sexes are the same now as in 1871. That there is
a very great discrepancy in the relative numbers of the sexes is
certain; but whether there are so many as 92,650 females to 63,600
males, we shall not be able to ascertain until the census next year
shall have given us reliable data. The redundancy of females is in fart
explained by the fact that there are a large number of female domestic
servants, as always happens in a wealthy district. The healthiness,
and even the fashionableness of the parish, contributes to make it a
favourite place of residence. And there are many girls' schools. The
superior longevity of the female sex, moreover, comes into play in
course of years, and is a factor in creating the disproportion under
consideration.
The subjoined table shows the numbers of the sexes at different
ages, in 1871:—

The density of the population varies greatly no doubt in different
parts; but taking the parish as a whole, and making no allowance for
open spaces, the density is about 71 persons to an acre. Among the
open spaces referred to may be mentioned the Cemeteries at Kensal