^{page 280 note} * The only existing Company that quotes special rates for assurances on the lives of females is, I believe, the National Provident Institution. I t appears from the prospectus of this Society that for assurances on the lives of females a small addition is made to the premiums charged for male lives, while the rates for annuities depending on the lives of females are less than those for similar benefits on the lives of males—as is the case with the Government Office and with many other Companies granting annuities. It would appear, therefore, that this Institution considers female vitality to be at once both inferior and superior to that of males—an apparent anomaly. The practice, however, of thus “working the oracle” might probably be defended.

^{page 283 note} * The experience of Life Offices would probably warrant the assumption of a much higher average age—possibly 40.