rows some interesting light upon the
intellectual attitude of a large number of thoughtful men upon various
public questions and social problems. The majority of the entries in
the book are in the handwriting of the venerable Edward King Fordham,
the Royston banker, whose long life covered more than the whole period
selected for these sketches. The following resolution shows the _modus
operandi_ of the institution known as the forum, which was a very
general institution both in the Metropolis and in many centres in the
country--"It was unanimously agreed that a question or subject shall be
proposed for discussion or debate, every club night, as soon after
eight o'clock, as the book business is finished. The question to be
proposed on a preceding meeting, and balloted for (if required by any
member) before admitted in the list for discussion."

Then follow, through page after page of the old book, questions put
down for discussion, and in most cases the opinion arrived at. Among
the names in which questions stand are E. K. Fordham, Joseph Beldam,
senr., Wm. Nash, Elias Fordham, James Phillips, Samuel Bull, Valentine
Beldam, John Fordham (Kelshall), John Walbey, Wm. Wedd, Robert Hall,
Mr. Crabb, Mr. Tate, Richard Flower, Mr. Carver, Mr. Jameson, Mr.
Barfield. These were some of the men who figured in the intellectual
tournaments of the time. Let us glance at a few of the questions
debated and the result, and we shall get some idea of the subjects
which engaged men's attention, and what they thought upon them. The
subjects cover a great variety of matters, and frequently were as wide
apart as the poles in their nature. Here are the first two questions
debated:--

"Whether a General Enclosure will be beneficial or prejudicial to the
Nation?"

"Whether Hope or Fear be the most powerful incentive to Action?"

I venture to transcribe a few more questions at random, with the
decision of the forum upon them.

"Whether it be right for the Legislature to make Laws to punish
prophane swearing?--James Phillips.--Determined." [That is, determined
that it was right.]

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"Whether free Inquiry is not upon the whole beneficial to Society
though it may be attended with some ill effects to Individuals?--E. K.
Fordham.--Determined unanimously for full inquiry."

"Whether a Candidate for Parliament ought to engage to support any
particular measures in Parliament previous to his election?--He ought."

"Whether it woul