It was intended that the short essay descriptive of the existing system of settlements of claims under average fire policies, which appeared in this Journal as far back as No. X. (January, 1853), should have been promptly followed by some remarks on the most obvious defects of the system, with a few practical suggestions for their remedy. It is not necessary to explain here the reasons for the delay which has taken place in the fulfilment of that intention; but it is satisfactory to know that the postponement has not been without its use. Many valuable hints have been offered; and although some marked differences of opinion exist as to any proposed remedies, the explanations given of the existing rules are, without any exception, admitted to be correct.