Stress is laid on the age of the mother and the occupation of the population. A statistical analysis of reported births in Wales and the southwestern and southeastern counties shows that the birth rate_ has declined steadily. The author draws no conclusions regarding the cause but points out the fluctuations which occur in periods of depression. The later age of marriage at the present time appears to be an unimportant factor. The differences in decline as shown in different occupations appear not to be noteworthy. In spite of the decline in birth rate there has not yet been a noticeable decline in population due to the greater expectancy of life and the lower death rate in young age groups. The populations of the southeastern counties were not reproducing themselves in 1920- 1922.