The Italian government ordered the building of a crematory, on the Gorini-Gozzi system, for the cholera hospital at Varignano, which was completed in the summer of 1885. A crematorium was erected at Florence, on the Venini system, which cremates a body in 70 minutes, and the cost of which was 4500 francs. Crematories are building at Pisa and Como. On the 23d of June, 1885, the crematorium at Livorno was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. It contains a Spaciani Mesmer furnace. General acquiescence in the process of cremation is steadily growing among us; and I verily believe that the time is not far distant when crematories will be established in every state and territory of the Union. The fact that one was recently erected in New York City, one has been built at Lancaster, and one has just been completed at Pittsburg, certainly proves that cremation has found a foothold in this country. The New York Cremation Society was organized in the city of New York on March 8, 1881, under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. J. D. Beugless, and was incorporated on the 26th of March in the same year. The objects and purposes of this society are to disseminate sound and enlightened views respecting the incineration of the dead; to advocate and promote in every proper and legitimate way the substitution of this method for burial; and to advance the public good by affording facilities for carrying cremation into operation. The members of the society consist of three classes: active, associate, and corresponding members. Active members are subdivided into annual and life members, of whom the annual members pay the regular dues, and the life members the amount of $30 in one sum. Those who have paid the regular dues for twelve successive years also become life members. No further payment is then required from such member. These payments for twelve successive years entitle an active member to all the privileges of the society for the remainder of his life; and an associate member to the benefit of the incineration fund without further charge. Only active members are qualified for election or appointment to any official position in the society; to vote at any election; and to debate and vote at any meeting; corresponding members are chosen from among those who have distinguished themselves by rendering service in the promotion of cremation; and they may reside in any part of the world, except within a radius of five miles around the city of New York. At present, the New York Cremation Society numbers 470 members, of whom 400 are active and 70 passive members.