penditure. Here no distinction of country or complexion, creed or party, raises a barrier to the admission of any distressed object standing in need of medical or chirurgical assistance.

THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.

This institution, formed for the truly benevolent purpose of affording relief to one of the most dreadful of human afflictions, was originally opened in the year 1789, near to St. John's church; but was recently removed to the present commodious and neat stone building, situate in Ashtonstreet, Brownlow-hill.

THE DISPENSARIES.

The first dispensary in Liverpool was established in John-street, in the year 1778, but was afterwards removed to Church-street in 1781, where a handsome edifice, with a circular stone portico in front, was erected for this purpose, but which has been recently taken down. At present there are two of these institutions, one situate in Vauxhall-road, a neat structure, decorated in front with a lofty stone portico of the Ionic order of architecture; and another in Upper Parliament-street.

Three physicians, three surgeons, and an apothecary attend each of these establishments, at which medical advice and surgical assistance are given every day, except Sunday, at the hours of nine, ten, and eleven in the morning. A presi

N

dent and two auditors superintend the management of each dispensary.

The object of these truly charitable institutions is to afford medical and chirurgical aid to such poor persons, being in want thereof, who have obtained a note of recommendation from any of the magistrates, clergy, churchwardens, or subsubscribers. One of the medical attendants visits such of the patients as are unable to come to the dispensary.

OPTHALMIC INSTITUTIONS.

Of these there are two, one situate in Slaterstreet, called the Infirmary for the Diseases of the Eye, and the other in Basnett-street, designated the Liverpool Institution for curing Diseases of the Eye. These establishments are supported by subscription, and were formed for the purpose of administering relief to those poor people who may be afflicted with diseases of the eye.

INSTITUTION FOR RELIEVING DISEASES OF THE EAR.

This institution affords professional assistance to the poor afflicted with deafness. It is situate in Duke-street, and was established in the year 1825.

THE WORKHOUSE.

The first Workhouse erected in this town was situate in College-lane, at the corner adjoining

Hanover-street; but becoming two small for the number of poor applicants, the present one, which stands on Brownlow-hill, was erected in 1771, at an expense of £8000,-since which time it has been enlarged. This extensive establishment is conducted on excellent and economical principles, each of the inmates having all the necessaries of life that can reasonably be required, there being a sufficient supply of plain but wholesome food, and a proper quantity of warm clothing. Besides these the old people have some additional comforts. All that are not sick are employed in some trade or useful manufacture, as joiners, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, shoemakers, tailors, &c.; or as sempstresses, knitters, spinners, &c. The boys are instructed in some trade, and the girls who are above nine years of age are taught to make straw bonnets, to knit stockings, to sew, or to weave calicoes, &c. By these judicious arrangements many of the evils arising from indigence are either partially or entirely obviated, particularly with respect to the junior portion of this vast family; for many of them are put out as apprentices, either in the town or some part of the country, and thus become useful, and in many instances respectable members of society.

The following is the total average number of inmates, with the gross expenses, during the last five years, ending the 25th of March, 1831:

1828.

Number.
1411

Expenses. £10,259 9 1

THE HOUSE OF RECOVERY,

This is a plain stone edifice, situate a little to the east of the Workhouse, and is appropriated to the reception of those persons who are afflicted with fevers. Physicians, or any of the officers belonging to the Dispensaries or Infirmary, have the privilege of recommending patients. By the advice of the late Dr. Currie this institution, which is under the direction of the select vestry, churchwardens, and overseers, was separated from the Workhouse. It was opened on the 1st of March, 1806, and stands in an airy situation. Every care and attention are there given to the sick, and by means of this establishment many contagious disorders are prevented from spreading among the community.

THE ALMS' HOUSES.

These buildings are situate in St. Mary's-lane, and consist of a number of small but convenient apartments, erected in the form of a quadrangle, with a spacious area between each of the sides. The front or western side is open. The Alms' Houses built by the shipwrights society, for the use of the superannuated members belonging to that community, are situate in Bond-street.

THE STRANGERS' FRIEND SOCIETY.

This institution was formed in the year 1789, by the society of methodists of this town, for the purpose of affording relief to distressed persons of what religious profession soever; and since that period a very great number of unfortunate beings have received the most essential assistance in food and clothing from it. The following passage from one of the reports, shows the condition of the objects relieved by this charity :"Complicated, painful, and long-continued disorders; a grievous want of suitable food, attendance, fire, bedding, or clothing; the cries of a family of half-naked and hungry children; and an utter ignorance of every principle of religion, by which alone such distresses can be alleviated or sanctified, patiently supported, or piously improved. These are the particulars of some of those scenes of which the visiters are frequently constrained to be the sad spectators." Individuals who devote their time and pecuniary aid in furtherance of so excellent an institution, are indeed benefactors of the human race.

THE MARINE HUMANE SOCIETY.

The object of this institution is to hold out inducements to boatmen, fishermen, and others, by means of suitable rewards, to afford every possible assistance to vessels in distress. It was