Having had occasion, in connection with the recent Indian Census, to investigate the question of native mortality as prevailing in the various Indian Provinces, a short statement of the methods employed and the results obtained may perhaps be of interest to the members of the Institute of Actuaries. The problem presented and methods employed belong distinctly to the work of the Actuary, although the results may, perhaps, have more interest for the Statistician.

It has been suggested that a formula given at page 17 of the present volume should be demonstrated, and its use in graduation more clearly explained.

A series of numbers increasing by third differences is summed continuously p at a time, the results are summed q at a time, these results again r at a time, and so on, until all is collected into one term, S.

The second life assurance project in 1710 to be noticed is the following.

2. This day (16th December 1710) are published from the Office, at the Wheat Sheaf, over against Tom's Coffee-House in Russell Street, Covent Garden, proposals for the benefit of the Clergy and Widows of Clergymen, by a Joint Contribution, whereby a Clergyman by a Contribution of 10s. (as in the proposals is at large expressed) may be entitled to the sum of £750 on his being instituted and inducted into a Rectory or Vicarage in England or Ireland, or sent as a Missionary by the Corporation of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign parts; or by a Contribution of 5s. may be entitled to the sum of £375, or by a Contribution of 2s. 6d. to the sum of £187.10s., in the cases aforesaid, with other advantages for the Widows and Children of the Contributors.