Many instances might be given of the value of this society; and the writer trusts that the few lines in which he has honestly and earnestly indulged, for the sake of pointing attention to those offices which he deems deserving notice, may be regarded in the light in which they are written. The cause of life assurance has occasionally received severe blows; and though, perhaps, less fraud has been attempted in these than in other companies, yet there is one instance of deception, so boldly planned and so successfully executed, as to stand out in strong relief in the history of life assurance. About the year 1837, the provincial papers were filled with advertisements, drawing attention to the peculiar claims of the Independent West Middlesex Life and Fire Assurance Company. Its capital was stated to be one million; it was declared to be a legal corporation; and Acts of Parliament, dated from 1696, were boldly quoted. Cautiously did the promoters proceed in the metropolis, where they did not at first advertise, contenting themselves with establishing agencies in various parts of the country, and publishing advertisements in country papers. An imposing array of names as directors, declared to be of the first character and respectability, was promulgated; and when such names as Drummond and Perkins appeared in the list, the uninitiated believed the one to be the great banker, and the other the rich brewer, bearing the same names. To add to the delusion, the Bank of England was advertised as their bankers; and when they opened handsome premises in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, the minds of the many were thoroughly deluded. Some notion may be formed of their intention from the fact, that they not only insured lives on smaller premiums than other offices, but gave larger annuities for smaller sums. According to their tables, a man of thirty, by paying £100, could obtain £8 yearly, and could insure his life at £1 15_s._ per cent.; thus making a clear interest of £6 5_s._ per annum. The deed of the company—for, strange to say, it had a deed—was signed by any one who chose; and the law-stationer applied indiscriminately to all who came near him. Any one who asked for a situation was made a governor. A schoolmaster, who requested a clerkship, was made a director. An errand-man was employed as manager. A boy of sixteen was appointed to a seat at the board. One director had been tapman to a London tavern; another had been dismissed from his employ as a journeyman bell-hanger; a third had been a gentleman’s servant; all had orders to dress well, to place rings on their fingers, and adorn their persons with jewelry; fines being instituted if they omitted to wear the ornaments provided.