And a term used by husbandmen ploughing the field;
With that part of a swine which is now much in fashion,
And a town you'll discover in this brave English nation."
The answer was Bird, Mint, G, and Ham—Birmingham, the scribe who poetically replied, [**]inding-up by saying that it was
"A town that in trading excels half the nation,
Because, Jove be thanked, there is no Corporation!"
Recorders.—The first Recorder appointed for the borough was Mr. Matthew Davenport Hill, whose name is so intimately connected with the history of Reformatory and Industrial Schools. Mr. Arthur Robarts Adams, Q.C., who succeeded Mr. M.D. Hill on his resignation in January, 1866, was a native of the county, and had acted as Deputy-Recorder for some years. He died in an apoplectic fit, while out shooting (Dec. 19, 1877), in Bagley Wood, near Oxford, in his 65th year. The present Recorder is Mr. John Stratford Dugdale, of Blythe Hall, Coleshill.
Recreation Grounds.—Early in 1854 Joseph Sturge set apart a field in Wheeley's Lane as a public playground for children, and this must rank as the first recreation ground. The last is the disused burial ground of St. Mary's Church, which, after an expenditure of about £1,500 was thrown open to the public as "St. Mary's Garden," October 16, 1882.—see "[Parks]."
Red Book.—Quite a local institution is the yearly publication known as "The Birmingham Red Book," which was first issued in 1865.
Reformatories.—See "[Industrial Schools]."