There were pseudo-masonic institutions in the western countries. Possibly one such institution was the 'ancient and respectable Society of the Bucks', of which William Hickey was a member in London. A few other members of that body lived in Calcutta. They formed a Society of Bucks in the city, with Hickey as their 'Noble Grand', president. A member was 'initiated as a Buck', before 'a set of young men accoutred in splendid ornaments, arranged in great form, one who presided being elevated about three feet above the rest.' Food, wine and music followed the business of the meeting. The institution was also called 'the Lodge, which was distinguished by the name of `The Euphrates.' It is not known if this body had anything to do with the idea analogous to the Baby lonish Pass mentioned by Pick and Knight (FPRB.. 220). The body admitted 'honorary member', who had 'to pass through the customary ceremonials' and be invested with `the Insignia of the Order'. 'There were,' says Hickey, 'many, other lodges in London all of which occasionally visited each other in all their state.' 'The Lodge called the 'Macedonian' gave a very splendid entertainment at' the London tavern to upwards of six hundred ladies and gentlemen.'

In 1787 six members of the Society, then residing in Calcutta formed a Lodge called `the Asiatic Bucks Lodge.' 'Four were competent to, form a Lodge.' They framed the rules and had the minutes of the proceedings of their meetings. One member superintended 'the making of jewels and regalia worn by the Officers.' Ballots were taken for admission of members. Two black balls were sufficient to exclude a candidate. The election for the Noble Grand was annual and also by ballot. One member attacked the Bucks, 'saying that none but blackguards belonged to it.' 'Noble Buck' William Hickey, the first 'Noble Grand', was invested with a very rich and handsome jewel (cf. past master's jewel) in 1790.

As we have noted, Hickey's name was removed from the Freemasons' Lodge but was ordered to be restored by the Grand Lodge of England. I was much importuned,' says Hickey, 'to resume the station I had held, as I had never been very fond of the Order, I persisted in declining and from that time to the present day have never been within a Mason's Lodge.'

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