It is a remarkable fact that bachelors, widowers, spinsters, and widows marry now at a greater age than formerly. The following table shows the increase in age between the years 1896 and 1908, the ages given being averages, carried to two decimal points, of all marriages in England and Wales where ages have been recorded.

Years 1896 to 1908

Ages

Women

Men

Spinsters

Widows

Bachelors

Widowers

In 1896 the average marrying age was - -

25.08

40.58

26.59

44.49

„ 1898 „ „ ,, „ - -

25.14

40.59

26.62

44.70

,, 1900 „ „ „ ,, - -

25.23

40.74

26.68

45.02

,, 1902 ,, „ ,, ,, - -

25.36

40.25

26.88

44.96

,, 1904 „ ,, „ ,, - -

25.37

40.35

26.93

45.03

,, 1906 „ ,, „ „ - -

25.46

40.79

27.03

45.37

,, 1908 „ ,, „ „ - -

25.63

41.02

27.19

45.69

Comparative Table No. 2, showing the figures for 1909, is now being compiled for Every Woman's

Encyclopedia, and will appear in a future part.