In laying before the members of the Institute of Actuaries this hasty sketch of the Progress of the Assurance of Life and Property on the Continent, I beg to offer a few words of explanation on what induced me to attempt it.

Understanding that several actuaries and managers of Foreign Assurance Companies were likely to be in England at this time, without any general acquaintance with, or means of introduction to, those who are engaged in similar pursuits and studies in this country, the council of the Institute were led to propose a general meeting and conference, and to offer to them the hospitality and attentions which all classes and professions are vying with each other in paying to our distinguished foreign visitors.