That of these 20,000 souls, which would be the annual increase of
the kingdom by procreation, were it not for the before-mentioned
abatements.
The country increases annually
by procreation 20,000 souls.
The cities and towns, exclusive
of London, by procreation 2,000 souls.
But London and the bills of
mortality decrease annually 2,000 souls.
So that London requires a supply of 2,000 souls per annum to keep it
from decreasing, besides a further supply of about 3,000 per annum
for its increase at this time. In all 5,000, or above a half of the
kingdom's net increase.
Mr. King further observes that by the assessments on marriages,
births, and burials, and the collectors' returns thereupon, and by
the parish registers, it appears that the proportions of marriages,
births, and burials are according to the following scheme
Vide Scheme A.
Whence it may be observed that in 10,000 coexisting persons there
are 71 or 72 marriages in the country, producing 343 children; 78
marriages in towns producing 351 children; 94 marriages in London,
producing 376 children.
Whereby it follows -
1. That though each marriage in London produces fewer people than
in the country, yet London in general having a greater proportion of
breeders, is more prolific than the other great towns, and the great
towns are more prolific than the country.
2. That if the people of London of all ages were as long-lived as
those in the country, London would increase in people much faster
pro rata than the country.
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