43 



specially growing period (14I — 15). Nothing else was possi- 

 ble with such data. The above reservation applies also to 



Chest-Girth. 



The Anthropometric Committee records the chest-girth 

 of the general population only, which was taken by the Army 

 method, already explained. These Cockneys were wider by 

 0*04 and 0*46 inch, according as the age was under or over 

 15 years. 



London Boys from 15 to 16. 



I made a final comparison, viz., between the two series 

 of these older Cockneys with an unexpected result. While 

 striking the average for this age, I observed that the averages 

 of the two series were almost identical ; but I was led to ask 

 myself why the Second Series, which was shorter by ci inch 

 =m7, but actually wider in chest by 0*4 inch, should be lighter 

 by 2j (2*4) pounds ? From my copy register I found that no 

 fewer than 11 per cent, were not a day older than 15, zy per 

 cent, were from 15 to 15^, and 22 per cent, from 155 to 155, 

 making a total of 60 per cent, xmder, against only 40 per 

 cent, over 15I ; while those under 15J nearly equalled all 

 from 15I — 16. 



(i) Knowing that they were debarred till they had 

 attained 15 years, they applied as soon after as possible. 

 Had the old rule existed they would most probably have 

 appeared earlier, and in that case been included under, 

 instead, as now, over 15, whose average they thus depreciated 

 by their lighter weight. This, I consider, is the only expla- 

 nation of so curious a difference, and to me otherwise 

 inexplicable. 



(2) I was struck still more by what may be called the 

 "sensitiveness" of these observations to minute alternations 

 of age, as affording intrinsic evidence of their precision, now 

 suggested spontaneously after nearly 20 years. 



It is gratifying to learn that the Inspecting Captains of 

 H.M.'s Training Ships approve highly of London boys, and 

 that they develope into good and smart sailors. 



