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was presented by the Executive Council and adopted by the Most Worthy High Court. It was a most simple one and consisted in each surviving member paying ten cents upon the death of a brother Forester; the sum realized, whatever it might be, provided it did not exceed $1,000, was paid to the beneficiary of the deceased brother.

The first to receive insurance was the widow of Francis Ellis, a member of Court Ben Franklin, No. 3, New York, who died on October 29, 1875, only ten days after the insurance, or endowment law as it was called, was adopted. His family, consisting of a wife and three young children, received $143.70, the contribution of ten cents each from 1,437 financial or beneficiary members.

In the light of the experience of the pres- ent day, it would seem almost incredible that any organization could be formed giving in- surance benefits, without requiring a medical examination, but it is true that up to I879 no regular medical examination was re- quired by the Supreme Court of the Order. As a matter of fact the first 7,000 or 8,000 members were enrolled by simply answering four questions and being looked over, not examined. by the court doctor. With such a system it is not surprising that in a few years the mortality rose to thrice the figures that are being experienced in the Order at the present time. Neither was there any age limit: young and old paid the same ten cents whenever there was a death. These contri- butions were not sent to the Supreme ofiice, but to the treasurer of the Court of which the deceased was a member.

The next session of the Most \Vorthy High Court was held in Cleveland, Ohio, be- ginning October 17, 1876. The report of the most worthy high chief ranger shows that forty new courts had been organized since

PAST AND PRESENT OF

the last meeting. The Order has been ex- tended to Canada, Court Hope having been organized at London, Ont., on April 26th of that year. Representatives John R. Peel, Robert J. Halle and others were present at this session of the Most Worthy High Court. The most worthy high chief wel- comed the Canadian delegates in the follow— ing words: “We therefore welcome you, Brother Representatives present from the British soil, and assure you and the courts you represent, that all the honours, beauties and benefits of Independent Forestry are as much yours as ours, and shall be equally en- joyed by us in union till the end of time.” At this session Col. Caldwell became most worthy high secretary, and Henry Grifl‘in, of New York, was elected most worthy high chief ranger.

The next session was held in Louisville, Ky., in 1877. The reports show that there were 15 5 courts and over 7,000 mem- bers. The first death in Canada had oc- curred on August 25th of that year _in the person of Bro. William Couch, a member of Court Hope. No. 1, London, Ont. His widow and five children received $650.70. Each member had paid the sum of $2.90 into the endowment fund during the year—very cheap protection indeed. Some changes were made in the insurance law, and R. W. Cordes. of Ohio, was elected most worthy high chief ranger.

The session of 1878 was held in St. Louis, Mo, beginning on November 12th. Since the last preceding session 133 new courts had been instituted, making a total adult membership of 13,976, not including camps, ladies’ courts or juvenile organiza- tions.

Among the courts instituted during this year was Court Dufferin, N0. 7, in London,