to health.  The analysed deposit contained when dried only 1.4 per cent. of nitrogen (not as ammonia) and 3.5 of earthy phosphates; but about 11.7 of protoxide of iron, besides zinc, copper, and other metals to the extent of 2 or 3 per cent.  The latter-named proportions may in some measure account for “what becomes of the pins?” as in the deposit named (which was nearly solid) those useful little articles were exceedingly conspicuous.

Shambles.—­The name given to the meat market in Jamaica Row.  In the map of 1731, “The Shambles” are marked as a long block of buildings, a little higher than opposite the end of Bell Street, and in 1765 they still remained there, forming a kind of “middle row,” among the incongruous collection of tenements, stallages, &c., that encumbered our Bull Ring, down to the gates of the church itself.

Ship Inn.—­The old Ship Inn, at Camp Hill, where Prince Rupert had his headquarters in 1643, was pulled down in 1867; the present Ship Hotel being opened February 6, 1868.  It was sold in July, 1882, for L12,050.

Shirley.—­Situated in the parish of Solihull, though but a village with some half hundred cottages, has of late become a favorite spot for those fond of a Sunday drive.

Shoeblacks.—­An attempt was made in 1875 to form a shoeblack brigade, but only ten gentlemen attended the meeting (called June 21), and the business was left to the irregulars.

Smallbrook Street.—­A small stream, formerly ran its course along part of this site, proceeding by way of Smithfield Passage to the moat, and thence through the mill-pool, back of Bradford Street, to the Rea.  The ancient family of the Smallbrokes held considerable lands in the neighbourhood, but whether the street’s name came from the small brook or the Smallbrokes is a matter of doubt.

Smallpox.—­From the opening of the Smallpox Hospital in May, 1882, to July 10, 1884, the duration of the late epidemic, there were 1,591 cases admitted.  Among the 1,384 patients who had been vaccinated there occurred 59 deaths; among the 207 unvaccinated, 90 deaths.  No re-vaccinated person died.

Snow Hill.—­There is a difference of 60ft. between the top level next Bull Street and the Bottom of Snow Hill.

Soho.—­Prior to 1756 the country on the Handsworth side of Birmingham was little better than barren heath, the home of conies and a few beggarly squatters, until Mr. Edward Ruston leased from the Lord of the Manor the whole of the piece of common that lay between Nineveh and Hockley on the left of the West Bromwich Road.  He deepened the channel of Hockley brook, and built a small mill by its side, which being purchased from him in 1764 by Matthew Boulton (who soon acquired the freehold also) formed the site of the once world-renowned Soho Works.  In 1774, according to “Swinney’s Birmingham Directory,” these works consisted of four squares of buildings, with workshops, &e., for more than a