International Statistical Uniformity. 47 



of sufficient interest. They introduce a system of statistical 

 signals, capable of indefinite amplification, and which may 

 be as easily recognised by competent inquirers as the flag 

 signals from one ship to another in mid-ocean. Instead 

 of attempting to unify the detailed statistics of different 

 nations^ where, from unalterable causes — such as independent 

 legislation ; climate ; seaboard ; or the want of it ; national 

 characteristics ; and natural capacities, features, and pro- 

 ductions ; — uniformity in the conditions of life is impossible, 

 and therefore where uniformity in the information which is 

 the collected result and the outcome of those conditions is 

 impossible also, I have endeavoured to provide a common 

 ground, where all may display the best they have to bring. 

 It is like transplanting a half-grown tree, which we trust to 

 see, as it establishes itself in new soil, spread its roots 

 both downwards and outwards, till its wide-spreading 

 branches eventually encircle and embrace all matter which 

 ought to be sheltered beneath them; or, to put it in another 

 form, I have endeavoured to lay down broad parallel lines, 

 into which all smaller ones will gradually converge, between 

 which they may run, and into which they will finally be 

 absorbed. 



Once adopted they should prevent, in the future, any com- 

 pilation of new statistics on an independent basis. By 

 persistently keeping their requirements under parliamentary 

 or ministerial notice, the detail of future legislation and 

 legislative information might be so arranged as to harmonise 

 with their demands. 



They would bring a study at present confined to a few 

 within the range of many investigators, would, enable them 

 to make exact and accurate comparisons before suggesting 

 reforms,, and add much to our knowledge of many subjects 

 not thoroughly understood at present. By removing Car- 

 lyle's reproach against statistics as being " dry as dust-bins 

 without an index," they would assist not only to simplify 

 and popularise their study, but also to attain one of the 

 principal reforms which statists are so anxious to inaugurate 

 and complete. 



The "Specimen Return" will be found over leaf. 



