also being good specimens of their class.  Each manual engine has on board its complement of hose, branches (the brass pipes through which the water leaves the hose), stand-pipes for connecting the hose with the water mains, &c., while at its side hang scaling-ladders, in sections which can readily be fitted together to reach a considerable height.  The engine-house also contains a tender to the steam machine, a horse hose-cart, a hand hose-cart, and a number of portable hand-pumps.  It is with these hand-pumps that the majority of the fires in Birmingham are extinguished, and one of them forms a portion of the load of every engine.  Several canvas buckets, which flatten into an inconceivably small space, are also taken by means of which, either by carrying or by passing from hand to hand, the reservoirs of the pump can be kept filled, and a jet of water be made available where, perhaps, it would be difficult or impossible to bring hose.  The hose kept at the station amounts to a total length of 2,487-1/2 yards, of which about 1,700 yards is always kept on the engines, hose-carts, tender, and fire-escapes ready for instant use.  The remainder forms a reserve to allow for repairs, drying, &c.  Between the engine-house and the street is a commodious house for the assistant-superintendent, with a very pleasant yard on the roof of the engine-house.  Adjoining the engine-house on the other side, is the stable, where five splendid horses are kept.  In the yard stand three fire-escapes, each fitted with a box containing hose, stand-pipes and branches, so that it may be utilised for extinguishing fires independent of the engines.  The total strength of the brigade is twenty-five, including the superintendent (Mr. A.R.  Tozer), the assistant superintendent (Mr. J. Tiviotdale), two engineers, and an assistant engineer.  Eighteen of the brigade reside at the central station, the others being quartered at the seven divisional police stations and at the fire station in Bristol Street (opposite the Bell Inn), at each of which places are kept an escape, or an hose-cart, and one or two hand-pumps with the needful hose and appliances.  The cost of the buildings in the Upper Priory, including the site (1,500 square yards at seven guineas per yard), was about L20,000, there being in addition to the offices and stables, a waiting-room (in which two men are on duty night and day), a drill ground 153 ft. long by 40 ft. wide, an engine-room large enough for six engines, good-sized recreation rooms, baths, &c.  The residences are erected upon the “flat” system, and have a special interest in the fact that they constitute the first important introduction of that style of building in Birmingham.  The advantages and the drawbacks, if any, of the system may here be seen and judged of by all who are interested in the matter.  On the ground floor there are three residences, each having a living room, which may be used as a kitchen and two bed rooms adjoining.  A semicircular open staircase gives access to the