60 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS 
trade of the country, on account of its being able to attract de- 
posits from abroad when it is necessary to increase its reserve. 
The stock of the Bank at the present time sells at about 325 
per cent. premium. In 1696 it dropped as low as a discount of 
83 per cent, 
The good-will of the Bank represents some twenty-nine mil- 
lion pounds sterling, notwithstanding its reserve or surplus fund 
only amounts to a little over three million pounds sterling. 
No account in its statement is taken of Bank premises, not- 
withstanding it owns almost four acres of land in the centre of 
London, with several branches in the country. 
Part of the present Bank Building was constructed in 1734 
and has been added to from time to time. The architecture with- 
in the courts of the Bank is very beautiful, and the building as it 
at presents stands is worthy of its wonderful history. 
