128 APPENDIX C. 



members above twelve, the original number. Instead 

 of tliis Franklin proposed that each member should 

 form a subordinate Club, with the same rules, con 

 cealing the existence of the original Club. Five or 

 six were formed. The Vine, the Union, the Band. 

 1 Sparks, 129. 



1737. Wrote a paper, to be read at the Junto, about 

 the irregularities of the Watch, and proposing the 

 hiring of proper men. Approved of by the Junto, 

 and communicated to the other Clubs, as if origi 

 nating with them. This led to a law being passed, 

 carrying out the plan. 1 Sparks, 132-33. 



Read to Junto, a paper about fires, which led to 

 the establishment of the first fire company. 1 Sparks, 

 133. 



1743. May 14. &quot;A proposal for promoting useful 

 knowledge among the British Plantations in America. 

 This proposal, printed as a circular letter, dated 

 Philadelphia, contains this paragraph. &quot;That one 

 Society be formed of Virtuosi or ingenious men, re 

 siding in the several colonies, to be called &quot;The 

 American Philosophical Society, who are to maintain 

 a constant correspondence.&quot; 6 Sparks 14-15. . 



Nov. 4. My long absence from home put my busi 

 ness so far behindhand that I had no leisure to 

 forward the scheme of the Society. Franklin to C. 

 ( olden, 6 Sparks, 25. 



1744. March 27. John Bartram to Colden, referring 

 to the A. P. S. 6 Sparks, 14 (note). 



