The Stamp-collector's annual
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\ ^ t+*. Ik. •vJM+Auuh "fc VjvZ. *J{ tt*. tftttA cdft*/ * j&»~J. STAFFORD SMITH <& CO.'S SPECIAL NOTICES. ■>j{H All letters requiring reply must contain a stamp for return postage. $<■ REMITTANCES FROM HOKE CORRESPONDENTS. 87 Fogt-OAoe Order or Postal Vote payable to S. S. <&• Co., at the Chief Post-Office, Brighton. By Cheque or Banker's Draft payable to Stafford Smith & Co., and crossed " London and County Bank, Brighton." 87 Gold or Silver Coins. — These must be sent registered in the special cloth-lined Registered-Letter Envelope obtainable at any Post-Office for 2&d., which sum includes cost of registration. If sent in an ordinary envelope the Post-Office is not responsible for loss in transit. By Unused Penny Postage Stamps, if accompanied by 2# per cent, commission, the rate charged by the Post-Office for cashing stamps, thus : — ^ For amounts not exceeding 1/8 the commission is ojo% Above 1/8 but not exceeding 3/4 11 11 •1 11 11 11 ti ♦1 ti 11 .3/4 5/o 6/8 8/4 zo/o 11/8 13/4 15/° 16/8  o/4# o/5# 0/6 REMITTANCES FROM FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS. Countries. How to Remit. Austria Belgium ... ... Canada ... ... Denmark Finland , France ... ... German Empire... Holland jtcaiy ... ... ... Mew Brunswick Norway Nova Scotia Xvussia ... ... ... Spain ... Sweden Switzerland United States ... Paper Money or 5 kr. stamps Post-Office Order, Paper Money, or 10 c. stamps... Post-Office Order or Paper Money Post-Office Order or Paper Money x 3 per ax one y ••• ••• ••• •• • ••• ••• ••• ••• ••■ Post-Office Order, Paper Money, or 15 c. stamps ... Post-Office Order, Paper Money, or 10 pfen; stamps Post-Office Order, Paper Money, or 5 c. stamps ... Post-Office Order or Paper Money Post-Office Order or Paper Money Paper Money Post-Office Order or Paper Money ... Paper Money 3£ c.  Paper Money. x gulden — 1/7 20 francs — 15/8 z dollar — 3/10 z riksdaler — 2/2 5 marks — 3/10 5 francs — 3/1 1 5 marks — 4/10 z guilder — 1/8 x fira — 8d. z dollar — 3/xo x specie dollar — 4/3 z dollar — 3/10 x rouble — 2/0 x riksmynt dollar 20 francs — 15/6 x dollar — 3/10 -x/o All other Countries, by Post-Office Order, or Bills of Exchange. THE STAMP EXCHANGE. On the following terms common used Postage and Fiscal Stamps are exchanged for any stamps selected from Stafford Smith & Co.'s List of CHEAP SETS and APPROVAL SHEETS, or for sheets or Packets of CRESTS and sheets or packets of COLOURED SCRAPS and TRANSFERABLE OIL PICTURES; also for OLEOGRAPHS, PHOTOGRAPHIC SCRAPS, BIRTHDAY, EASTER, and CHRISTMAS CARDS, ALBUMS (Stamp, Heraldic, or Scrap), and MONO- GRAM NOTE PAPER and ENVELOPES. **"* The cost of Postage of goods ordered must be remitted in cash. POSTAGE STAMPS. In quantities of" not less than 350 (Of one country or assorted). Sixpence per 1000 for Austria (5 kr., present issue), Belgium (x c. and xo c, present issue). France (Empire, 20 c, and 1873 Republic, 25 c), German Empire (x gr. and xo pfen.), Holland (5 c, 1867 and 1872), and North German Confederation (i gr.) One Shilling per 1000 for Canada (3 c, present issue), France (except Empire, 20 c, and 1873 Republic, 25 c), German Empire (except 1 gr. and 10 pfen.), Italy, North German Confederation (except 1 gr., and 10 pfen.), Italy, North German Confederation (except 1 gr., and 10 pfen.), and Victoria (2d., the two latest issues). Twopence per 100 for Austria (except 5 kr., present issue), Bavaria (except Money-Order stamps), Belgium (except x c. and 10 c, present issue), Great Britain (post cards), Holland (except 5 c, 1867 and 1872), and Switzerland. Threepence per 100 for Canada (except 3 c, present issue), Denmark, Hungary, Luxemburg (1 c. and xo a), Norway, Spain, Sweden, United States (except 3 c, present issue), and Württemberg. Fourpence per 100 for India, New South Wales, New Zealand, Portugal, Queensland, Russia, South Australia (except 2d., present issue), Tasmania, and Victoria (except 2d., the two latest issues). In quantities of not less than 50 (Of one country or assorted). Sixpence per 100 for Bavaria (figure), Belgium (1850), Caps of Good Hope, Canada (1860, 1 c. and 5 c, and Registration stamps), Finland (present issue), Jamaica, Luxemburg, Roumania, Turkey, and United States (envelope and wrapper stamps, cut square). One Shilling per 100 for Baden, Brazil, Canada (12K and 15c. adhestves; post cards, envelope and wrapper stamps, cut square), Dutch Indies, Egypt, Finland (obsolete), Great Britain (a/.), Greece, Hanover, India (service), Prussia (head), Roman States, Saxony (head), Sweden (i rix-daler or 1 krona, and Official stamps), Switzerland (1854), Thurn and Taxis, United States (present issue, 15, 24, and 30 cents), United States Departmental Stamps (Interior, 3 and 6 c.; Post-Office, 3 and 6 c.; Treasury, assorted values; War, 3 and 6 o), Venetia, and Wurtburg (1851-1862). Two Shillings per 100 for Barbados (14d. and id.), British Guiana (1 and 2 c), Ceylon, Chili (5 c, present issue), Cuba, French Colonies (eagle, 1 a), Great Britain (id. black, od. and iod.), Griqueland, Hong Kong, Luxemburg (head), Malta, Mauritius, Natal, Sweden (Unpaid-letter stamps), Trinidad, and Western Australia. Three Shillings per 100 for Azores, Chili (except 5 c, present issue), Confederate States (used or unused). Great Britain (5/.), Levant, Madeira, Newfoundland, Orange Free State, Savoy, South African Republic, Straits Settlements, Transvaal, and United States (present issue. 90 cents, and Unpaid-letter stamps). Four Shillings per 100 for Antigua, Argentine Republic, Barbados (except 1 Ad. and id.), Bermuda, Brazil (small Roman figures). British Guiana (except 1 and 2 c), Cyprus, Danish West Indies, Grenada, Japan, Naples, Peru, Prince Edward Island, St. Christopher, St. Thomas, Sandwich Isles, Spain (1852 and 53), and United States Departmental Stamps (except Interior 3 and 6 c.; Post-Office 3 and 6 c.; Treasury, all values; and War 3 and 6 c.) In quantities of not less than 10 (Of one country or assorted). Five Shillings per 100 for Bahamas, Belgium (1849), Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Honduras, Bulgaria, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji Islands, French Colonies (eagle, except ic), Gold Coast, Lagos, Mexico, Montevideo, Nevis, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Persia, Porto Rico, St. Helena, St. Vincent, Spain (1850 and 51), Turks Islands, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Virgin Islands. Seven-and-Sixpence per 100 for Austria (50 kr. and 50 soldi), Cape of Good Hope (triangular), Ecuador, France (5 francs), Modena, Montenegro, New Granada, St. Domingo, Sierra Leone, Switzerland ("Rayon"), Tobago, Tuscany, and United States of Colombia. Ten Shillings per 100 for Angola, Argentine Republic (30 c), Bolivia, Bolivia, Brazil (envelope stamps), Cape of Good Hope (5/), Cape Verd Islands, Costa Rica, Gambia, Guatemala, Ice-land, Mozambique, Parma, Peru (11 npaid-letter stamps), Philippine Islands, St. Thomas and Prince Isles, Portuguese Indies, Sicily, Surinam, and Turkey (1st issue). Fifteen Shillings per 100 for Brazil (italic figures), Curacoa, Holland (2½ gulden), Honduras, Jamaica (2/.), Liberia, New South Wales (5/.), New Zealand (2/.) Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Queensland (5/.), Salvador, and Victoria (5/.) Twenty Shilling's per 100 for Antioquia, Chile (56 a), Cundinamarca, Hong Kong (2 and 3 doll). ars). Labuan, New Zealand (5/), and Tolima. Five Shillings per dozen for Argentine Republic (60 a), Great Britain (10/), Mauritius (5/), and 2 rupees 50 c), Queensland (5/), Tasmania (5/), Uruguay (1 peso), Venezuela (1 dollar), and Virgin Islands (1/2) Ten Shilling's per dozen for Argentine Republic (90 c), Barbados (5/), Brazil (1st issue), Great Britain (20/), Hong Kong (10 dollars), Jamaica (5/), New South Wales (Sydney Views), St. Helena (5/), Spain (12 c. and 5 rls., 1850, 51, 52, and 53), and Trinidad (5/). FISCAL STAMPS. In quantities of not less than 35 (Of one country or assorted). Hinepence per 100 for Austria (except 5 kr.), Canada, France (except 10 a), German Empire, Great Britain (except 5 a), Hungary, Italy (except 5 a), Jamaica, and Sweden. One Shining 1 per 100 for Belgium, Denmark, Finland, India, North German Confederation, Switzerland, Turkey, and United States (below 25 c.) Two Shillings per 100 for Bavaria, Bremen, Brunswick, Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius, New South Wales, New Zealand, Spain (except 5 c), and Tasmania. In quantities of not less than 10 (of one country or assorted). Three Shillings per 100 for Brunswick, Chile, Natal, Portugal, Prussia, Queensland, Roumania, Russia, Saxony, and United States (above 20 c.) Four Shillings per 100 for Antigua, Canada (Law stamps), Cuba, Greece, Griqualand, Hong Kong, and Peru. Five Shillings per 100 for Brazil, Buenos Aires, California, Ceylon, Grenada, Montsbray, Nevis, and Transvaal. Particular attention is requested to the following:— (1) Damaged stamps are worthless, and cannot be received in exchange. (2) Correspondents residing in the United Kingdom, are requested to send their stamps by letter-post, accompanied by instructions. Large quantities of stamps should be enclosed in cloth-lined envelopes, and securely fastened. (3) EXCHANGE ORDERS FOR STAMPS MUST EXCEED THE AMOUNT REQUIRED in case any of the stamps ordered are Out of stock. Example: — it stamps be sent for exchange amounting to 10/. in value, a list of requirements to the amount of at least £1 should be sent. Correspondents can then be certain of receiving those stamps only that they require. Preston Road, Brighton. STAFFORD SMITH & CO. The Stamp-Collector's Annual. A Year's Stamp Issues. With Illustrations II. — Telegraph Stamps III. — Philatelic Jottings IV. — Philatelic Literature V. — The Philatelic Societies. — The Philatelic Society, London; La Société Française de Timbrologie VI. — Our Prize Essays. — A Design for a New Penny Postage Stamp for Great Britain; A Portrait of the late Sir Rowland Hill; How to Collect Economically; A Descriptive List of the Stamps of Peru; A Map comprising Turkey, Roumania, Bulgaria, Servia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Stamp Collecting a Fascination — and Why? VII. — Philatelic Weeds VII. — Postage Stamps for Assab IX. — Juvenile Stamp Merchants X. — The Postage-Stamp Savings Bank. X. — The Pneumatic Despatch Post XII. — A Plea for a Cheaper Book Post XIII. — Small Investments XIV. — The Turk at the Post-Office XVII. — What are we to Collect? XVII. — Sir D. Cooper, Bart., K.C.M.G., Late President of the Philatelic Society, London. With Frontispiece XIX. — Notes on Some Dangerous Forgeries, United States, Japan, New Granada, Turkey. By the Rev. R. Briscoe Earee. With Illustrations. XX.— The Colours of Postage Stamps XXL— Stamp Collecting a Fascination, and Why? A Prize Essay by Captain E. B. Evans, R.A. Jv A.H." - ~* 1 THE ELEPHONE........................ The Elephone. XXIIL— The Beginnings of the Post-Office. By J. E. Hodgkin XXIV.— The Circumlocution Office and Rowland Hill XXVI. — Catalogue of the Postage Stamps of all Countries PAGE 5 22 23 26 30 33 36 36 37 38 38 39 40 40 41 42 42 44 45 48 50 53 54 55 56 65 SIR U. COOPER, BART., K.C.M.G., THE tamp- Ipnlkrtor a FOB ttratal ■))£*■ -HlfCJ 1881. * LONDON : E. MARLBOROUGH & CO. gMgljtmt J STAFFORD SMITH & CO., PRESTON ROAD. j^[ "gear's ^"tarnp issues. 8> HE year 1880 has not been so fruitful in new issues as its predecessor, though a considerable number of new stamps, and a whole army of post cards, have been issued in consequence of the changes introduced by the representatives of the Postal Union at the Congress in 1879. These postage-stamp disturbers have not, however, met this year for any other purpose than to examine the possibility of establishing All parcels rate throughout the Union. The last accessions to Postal Union are the colonies of Antigua, Dominica, Mont-it, Nevis, St. Christopher, and Tortola, all of which have been out with twopence-halfpenny and fourpenny post cards by Messrs. De La Rue and Co. Of foreign countries, Bulgaria, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and zuela have also joined the Postal Union. The changes that come nearest home are those affecting our own stamps, in which a sort of revolution has taken place. Since the death of the patriarchal penny on the 31st December, 1879, the whole family seems to be at sixes and sevens, and only the three-penny, sixpenny, and five-shilling values up to this moment appear to have sustained the shock. We lament the end of the penny and of his consort the twopence, which was bone of his bone, and was taken out of him originally, like Eve out of Adam; yet it had, to a certain extent, become an anachronism, and was not fitted to the present age. Still, it was the parent of all the postage stamps the world has ever seen, and it had lived to the great age of over thirty-nine years of eventful times, a very Methuselah as compared with the stamps of its own or any other country. How many stamps have survived only for a single year? And even those of ten years old might be counted on one's fingers! During the period that the penny stamp had been employed for franking more than four-fifths of the whole correspondence of England, changes had taken place in almost every stamp-issuing country in the world. Either the sovereign whose effigy figured on the stamp was dead or passed away, or the State had been rent to pieces by internal or external causes, if not swallowed up altogether, as in parts of Germany and Italy. But there are many reasons why we should not have regretted the fall of the penny stamp and all its line-engraved family, had they but found successors worthy of the native country of postage stamps and of the talent that our artists and engravers are not only supposed to possess, but really must possess, if we judge by the numbers of States which apply to England for their supplies of stamps. The whole of the supply of postage stamps for the Inland Revenue Department, which furnishes them to the Post-office, has now been confided to Messrs. De La Rue and Co. to print on the typographic system. No better firm in the world could have been selected for this purpose, and some of the stamps it has produced are not only marvels of execution, but are so well manufactured in all the details of paper, perforation, and gumming, as has hitherto defied competition. So far as execution is concerned, the recent re-issue of the two-cent Hong Kong may be cited as an instance which throws the new penny stamp utterly in the shade. Many other also of the colonial stamps are infinitely its superior. Is it that anything is good enough for the mother country; or, is it that the Department is so bent upon saving a penny per thousand that it will not go to the expense of a better design? Again, and we will not tire our readers with further criticisms, is there any reason why Her Most Gracious Majesty should not partake of the common lot, not only of her subjects, but of other kings and queens, of getting beyond the age of twenty, which was her age when her profile first appeared upon postage stamps. Her Majesty's grandfather was some twenty-two years old when he mounted the throne, and yet he did not continue to be portrayed on the coins struck during his long reign in the same condition as in his more youthful days. We hope that the profile on the present stamps is not intended as a caricature of the Queen, but only as an ideal representation of royalty in the abstract. The colour of the twopence is changed to that of the twopence-halfpenny before it took its present colour. The fourpence has put off the sickly green hue and has donned a not ineffective brown. The shilling has taken a light red-brown, similar to that of the obsolete tenpence. The eightpence and the two shillings have been withdrawn from circulation, and no longer figure among the stamps sold by the Post-office. The English Post-office is well supplied with stamps for internal use, but for Postal Union purposes multiples of twopence-halfpenny are required for countries in Class A, and those of fourpence for Class B. A new stamp of fivepence, and the restoration of the eightpenny and tenpenny appear therefore, to be desirable. If now we turn to other countries we find that though Spain did not supply us with its usual quota for our collections, yet it made it up by its annual series for Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines, adding three values this year for Fernando Po. In Portugal, the 25 reis stamp which appeared at the close of 1879, had but a short reign; it was superseded six months after by a similar stamp, in which a kit-cat portrait of King Luis appears in full dress, while his Majesty has successfully cultivated a considerable amount of whisker in the meantime, and has aged rapidly during the few months which had elapsed. In Italy, the series with the portrait of the present King has been gradually taking the place of the old values as they are used up. In Russia there is little to remark. The crop of locals does not sensibly diminish, for as one ceases its place is more than filled by others. At one time these stamps seemed interesting from their novelty, and for their air of originality, not being of the utter sameness that distinguishes a herd of other stamps; but they now commence to be somewhat wearisome, especially those which only consist of a type-set design. If one wishes to be extremely accurate it is necessary, in some few cases, to keep a whole sheet, because each stamp differs in some trifling degree from its neighbour. Besides which, the rural posts do not invest much money in providing any large stock, the types, therefore, succeed one another too rapidly to be agreeable. A YEAR'S STAMP ISSUES. On the strength of the new position given to Eastern Roumelia under the Bismarck-Beaconsfield Treaty of Berlin, this extract of the former Turkish Empire conceived the idea of issuing a post card, but it appears to have been quashed by the supreme government, and this audacious piece of independence has been nipped in the bud. The latest accounts state that the Sublime Porte insists on the use of its own stamps within this territory. Roumania has a new series in course of issue, which, so far as may be judged by the values which have yet appeared, is an improvement upon the former one. A new series is said to be in contemplation for Switzerland, and some alteration seems imminent in the stamps of Turkey. The German stamps have all been subjected to the change in orthography, the values being now spelt without the final, and the printing has been somewhat modified. The colours are no longer fast, owing, according to some authorities, to water-colour being substituted for oil colour, and, according to others, to a soluble coating being given to the paper previous to the impression. If we now turn to Asia there is but little in the way of novelty. The Cabul stamp manufactory seems to have received its quietus for the present, but there have been a few fresh importations from Cashmere. The stamps of Hong Kong have been in an unsettled state, and surcharges have been abundant; not made, however, with any view of gratifying collectors as those of the Shanghai stamps appear to be. Some of the best post cards manufactured by Messrs. De La Rue have been those for Hong Kong, but they have no sooner been put into circulation than the surcharging process has been commenced even upon them. Since the issue of the post card and the series of stamps with coloured borders, Persia, where a restless Postmaster-General formerly ruled, has been very quiet. The new issue for Ceylon has been completed by the addition of a very handsome stamp of 2½ rupees. Bishop has favored us with another native specimen of engraving and printing, and also with a native specimen of perforation, which, instead of giving to the stamps when separated an engrailed edge, makes them look as if they had been gnawed. Among other natives, Rajpeepla has issued some adhesives, and we are promised an entire series of Shores. A new issue for Liberia has made its appearance, and the Gold Coast and Lagos have contributed some new stamps and post cards. Additions have also been made to the stamps of the Transvaal and to those of Gambia, which latter are now perforated, and form one of the most effective series of stamps that we know of. In America we find the additions of adhesive stamps and post cards, necessitated by the entrance of several British Colonies into the Postal Union, have been carried out by Messrs. De La Rue and Co. The Argentine Republic has introduced us to another of its great men by portraying his features on a news band, while Guatemala has given us a lesson in ornithology by presenting us a picture of the quezal, a beautiful bird, a native of Central America. The two stamps on which this bird is represented are printed in two colours, and, so far as engraving goes, are exquisite specimens of what the American Bank-Note Company can do. But we agree with The Philatelic Record that the picture is a mistake, as the Ionic column, which serves for a perch, is quite out of place and out of character with the habits of its occupant, its only object being to show off as much of the bird's tail as possible, though, in this respect even, it is said to answer its purpose very inadequately. The new Mexican Porte de Mar series, announced so long since, are gradually making their appearance, but are not much more ornamental than their predecessors. Peru, proud of entering into the Postal Union, surcharges its stamps with notice of the fact, and Venezuela has altered the values on its stamps to decimals of a bolivar, equivalent to one-fifth of a peso. A change has also been made in the stamps of the Dominican Republic, consequent on its having entered the Postal Union. Newfoundland is having its stamps re-engraved, but not to their advantage. The characteristic design of the Virgin Islands' stamp is, we are sorry to say, giving place to the hackneyed De La Rue type, which seems as if it would become naturalized among the Leeward Islands. In Oceania, we have little to remark except that the art of native postage stamp manufacture does not show any great progress. The last novelties come from Queensland, where some of the values are lithographed copies of the old design, while others represent royalty in the abstract in profile. Still, if anyone is curious to see how far such caricatures can go, we would advise them to get a copy of the new fiscal penny stamp of Victoria — the penny value, not the five pounds — and there they will see a remarkable specimen of design and execution worthy of Albert Durer or Holbein. On a review of the whole, we cannot think that the year 1880 shows any improvement in art as applied to postage stamps. One would indulge the hope that a postage stamp, which is destined to travel to the uttermost parts of the earth, might have been made to convey with it some idea of the state of art in the country whence it proceeds. But such, alas, is not the case. Our own government leads the way now, not as it did in 1840 by showing how much it could do, but by showing how little it need do. At how small a cost the object can be carried out. Messrs. De La Rue and Co. have an experienced chemist attached to their establishment; is it that the penuriousness of the employers prevent them from retaining the services of the best designers and engravers, or has such art died with Corbould and Heath? Made its appearance on the 1st of August last. The inscription is in three lines, well post-vertein (union postale) UNIVERSELLE — CORRESPONDENZ KARTE (CARTE POSTALE), administration d'autriche. Below are two long dotted lines, the first preceded by an in small text hand, and one more in and a thick one with the word in between them. The in the left upper corner, and a stamp of 5 kr., 1857, in the The impression is in black on a buff card, the stamp being in teply cards of similar design also exist, with the addition of ANTWERT (REPONSE). Similar cards have also been issued values in soldi. The post cards of 2 kreuzer, for internal use, in German, Italian, Bohemian, Illyrian, Ruthenian, Slavonian, and Polish, have also been supplemented by a series of reply cards of 2 + 2 kr. Azores. — The 25 reis grey, figured under Portugal, inscribed Portugal continente, was issued surcharged adores. The type subsequently substituted for it, similarly modified, was issued simultaneously with its appearance in the mother country. This latter is violet-grey. The 5 reis black of the same type is also now in use. OUR ANNUAL CHRONICLE. Bavaria.— The adhesive stamp of 2 marks violet, perforated, appeared early in the year watermarked with undulating lines similar to the other stamps of the series. A double Postal Union card of 10 + 10 pfennig has been issued similar to the single card in carmine on buff. The usual inscription, "The accompanying card is for the reply," appears on the first Part of the double card in French and German, and on the second part, "Reply," also in the two languages. Denmark. — Two transfers of the 4 and 8 ore post cards are noticed, the frames round each of these cards being found differing considerably in length. Eastern Roumelia.— This slice from the former Turkish Empire lately conceived the idea of issuing a post card. The value was 10 paras, and the whole of the inscriptions were in black on a white card. The stamp was hand-struck, but the card was speedily suppressed by superior order of the Sublime Porte. It was said that this new candidate for postal honours was to be indulged — when, was not said — by a special set of stamps to be supplied by the Ottoman Post-office at the cost of the province; but if we are to believe a Reuter's telegram of November 10th, the Porte now declines to supply a special stamp as provided by the Organic Statute, and insists on the Roumelian Post-office using Turkish stamps, refusing to acknowledge the stamp which has hitherto sufficed for the prepayment of letters. Reuter is so often wrong, and any one of ordinary capacity could concoct better intelligence away from the locality, that we do not attach much importance to what is said of a stamp employed for the prepayment of letters. We suspect that the writer of this telegram did not know a letter from a post card. France. — The 3 centimes is now issued in grey. Germany. — The 5, 20, and 50 pf. adhesives have now followed the example of the 10 pf., and appear with the new orthography of pfennig in lieu of pfennig. It may also be noticed that in the 5 pf. the figure of value is repeated after the word pfennig, replacing as it were the void caused by the omission of the final e. The impression is now also in fugitive colours, according to some in water-colours, while, according to others, it is on paper prepared with a coating which dissolves when the stamp is immersed in water. Great Britain. — The penny adhesive stamp of the new type, printed in typography by Messrs. De La Rue and Co., appeared on the 1st of January, and was followed by the halfpenny and £ three-halfpence on the 14th October. It will most probably have been remarked that in the penny the plate numbers are no longer inserted, while in the halfpenny, three-halfpence, and £ two-pence, the lettering at the angles is also omitted. The vagaries of our English Post-office are not capable of being easily comprehended, especially in their caricatures of Her Majesty. It is scarcely necessary to say that the colour of the penny stamp is Venetian red; that of the halfpenny, green, of which we have two shades; and the three-halfpence red-brown. The twopence, which has donned the colour left off by the twopence-halfpenny is no improvement on its companions the id., and id., so far as the execution of the stamp is concerned. To say that all three are a little better than the one penny is all that we can do. Their designs we need not describe, as they will have been seen by most of our readers when these lines appear. In the month of February, the colour of the 2nd was changed to blue, an alteration carried out, as stated by the Postmaster General, with a view of rendering the colour more in conformity with the stamps of corresponding value, as agreed upon by the Postal Union Congress. This change took place while plate 17 was in use, the present number being 20. The 2s. having had its colour thus appropriated was changed to brown-yellow, similar to that of the now obsolete tenpence, the number of the plate remaining the same. In August or September last, the 8d. and 2s. ceased to be issued by the Post-office; and as the colour green had been given to the halfpenny, the is. was permitted to take one of the colours thus left disposable, and appeared in October in the colour of the 2s. Plate No. 13, which was in use at the beginning of the year, is still in use. The fourpence, which has since its first issue gone through changes from carmine to vermilion, and then to a sickly green, appeared on the 15th August in neutral olive-brown, an alteration which took place when plate No. 17 was brought into use. It will thus be seen that the threepence, the sixpence, and the five shillings are the only values issued by the Post-office that have not suffered some violence. Heligoland. — A reply Postal Union card of 10 + 10 pfennig has been issued. The impression is black on white, and the inscription is in French and English. Hungary. — The newspaper band of 2 kr. has been issued in mauve on plain white wove paper. The envelope of the current series of the value of 5 kr. is now on blue wove paper, watermarked in large double-lined letters with a portion of the words kinctari jovedek (State taxes). The 3 kr. envelope, according to Le Timbre-Poste, bears the watermark Magyar kir posta, in double-lined letters, like that previously existing on the 5 kr. The 5 kr. adhesive is now bright carmine. The Belgian journal states that since the 1st August last reply post cards of the value of 2 + 2 kreuzer, with the ordinary stamp in light-brown on the right and the arms of Hungary on the left, have been in use. They are printed on thick buff paper, watermarked m. k. posta in double-lined letters. Postal Union cards of the value of 5 kr., in carmine on buff, and reply cards of 5 + 5 kr., were also issued on the 1st October. Iceland. — Two post cards have been issued with Greek borders, similar to those on the current Denmark cards. The one of the value of 8 aur. is in violet for use between Iceland and Denmark; the other, of the value of 10 aur., printed in carmine, is for use within the Postal Union. Livonia. — The stamp issued in 1878 has been somewhat modified, but only in the colour of the impression. The arm holding the sword remains as before, in green on a red ground, but the rest of the stamp is printed in grey instead of green. Luxemburg. — A new edition of the adhesives printed in Holland is now coming into use, and the 2 c, 10 c, and 25 c. have appeared. These stamps can be readily distinguished from those that they are superseding by the perforation which, instead of being 13, is 12. Two post cards of 5 c. and 10 c. have also been issued on light buff; the first is printed in pale violet, and the latter with the inscription union postale universelle (weltpostverein), is in ochre, but this will probably be changed hereafter into red, to be more in conformity with the colours ordinarily adopted. Norway. — Christiansund. — Norway and Sweden have been very quiet during the year, but we cannot say the same of one of the by-posts, which has been very restless. The Christiansund stamps are lithographed on plain paper, and present the profile of a gentleman, amply bearded and dressed in a morning coat, within a coloured double oval, and is probably a reduction of a photograph of M. Andresen, the head of the firm. Figures of the value are in the angles in white on coloured ground. The value in full at the top and bottom, as also the name of the firm on each side of the portrait, and the portrait itself are printed in black. The values and colours are 1 ore, rose; 2 ore, lilac-rose; 3 ore, vermilion; 7 ore, green; 10 ore, violet. The issue is completed by two post cards, 2 ore vermilion, on white, and 4 ore blue, on white. OUR ANNUAL CHRONICLE. Portugal. — The 25 reis grey, inscribed Portugal continente, an engraving of which is annexed, did not enjoy long life, as it has been superseded by a stamp very similar in general design, except in the following particulars. The colour of the impression in the new stamp is violet-grey; the design in the spandrels is different, and the classic profile is replaced by a kit-cat portrait of His Majesty King Luis, full dressed, with large whiskers, and evidently much aged in general appearance in the short period of six months. The 15 reis post card, light brown, has been replaced by one of 10 reis, of similar design and color. We have received specimens of the 20 reis blue post cards numbered consecutively on the backs! Roumania.— A new series for this State is in course of issue, of which we give an illustration. It is an improvement on the Bucharest impressions of the late series. At present we have only seen the 15 bani, in red-brown, lithographed on unwatermarked paper, and perforated 11. The other values will doubtless follow when the stock in hand of the former series is used up. The market has been rather glutted with specimens of the 3 bani green, of the 1872 type, cut in two diagonally, and alleged to be used as a bani newspaper stamps. They are ordinarily offered on pieces of newspaper, and are neatly postmarked "Jassy, 3rd Dec, 1873." The Philatelic Record found one of these "provisionsals" on a A piece of newspaper, dated 1877, we need scarcely warn our readers against these specimens made for their benefit. The 10th annual postcard has been issued as a reply card. Russia. — The envelopes of 5 and 10 kop. have been utilized by surcharging them with a sort of hanging label bearing the new value in words, separated by the figure of value. This surcharging is in red. A somewhat curious postcard for semi-official use in St. Petersburg was issued in July last. It appears that there is no such thing as a directory in St. Petersburg, but anyone wishing to ascertain an address can apply to the register office. To avoid the necessity of personal attendance for this purpose, the Town Administration has printed a Formula on the ordinary postcard of 3 kop., to be filled up on one side by the party desiring the information regarding the party whose name he gives. On the obverse side the office fills in the required particulars. The price of the card is 9 kop., dissected as follows: — 6 kop. for the double postage, 2 kop. for the information, and 1 kop. for expense of printing, &c. We have just received a newly-issued postcard, very like the 3 kop. of r87o. It has a double-lined frame with ornamentation at the angles; arms and post-horns at the upper left, dotted rectangular compartment for stamp on right Russian heading above, then seven dotted lines for address, and three lines of printed directions below. Black on light buff. The annual crop of Russian locals has been more prolific than profitable. Were we to indulge our readers with a list of the new ones, the dead ones, and of those which, after having been quietly buried, have been dug up again by one or two most indefatigable residents, we should only weary them and fill our pages with what we fear, they would not give themselves the trouble to read. Servia. — The Leipsic journal some months since gave publicity to a report of the advent of a new series for this principality, and presented an engraving of one of the intended values, which we reproduce. But little more has been heard of this series up to the present time, and we are unable to say of what it consists, or what are its values and colours. The only specimen we have yet seen is the paras. This is printed in green on plain white paper, perforated 13 by 13. The engraver's name, &c, is under the label, bearing the word potchta. Switzerland. — Vast changes are said to be impending, but opinions are, it appears, divided as to the design. Whether this should be taken from the mountains, or the heroes, or the great Swiss battles, is a question yet undecided. According to the Schweizerische Illustrierte Briefmarken Zeitung, it has been proposed to the Swiss postal authorities to abolish the symbolical figure of Helvetia, and taking as their pattern the American stamp of Nicaragua, to substitute a series of views of famous Swiss scenes, such as the Jungfrau, Rutli, Giesbach, the Rigi, or the Devil's Bridge. It was replied, however, that the issue of a series of delicate little steel engravings would be very expensive, without being particularly useful. The paper cited above now recommends that national history and biography should be selected, instead of scenery, an example already set by America in the fifteen-cent "Landing of Columbus," and in the twenty-four-cent "Declaration of Independence." It is proposed that such subjects should be taken as the "Tell Shot," the "Oath of Ritz," the "Diet of Stanz," the "Diet of Stanz," the "Diet of Stann, Sempach, and Murten, with the date of the event below the picture, and the value of the stamp above it. It is further suggested that the history and chronology imperceptibly learned by this means might be supplemented by a biographical series of postage stamps, containing busts of eminent Swissers, such as Nicklaus von der Flue, Lavater, Albrecht von Haller, Pestaiozzi, and others, with the date of the birth and death of each worthy printed underneath the portrait. The reference to the 15 and 24 cents of the United States is not a fortunate one. The whole series was too fanciful to be practical, and was very soon suppressed, though how far the 90 cents, which represented good Abraham Lincoln with fasces, is as historical as it might have been made, we could never batter our brains sufficiently to discover. The suggestion of immortalizing the great men among the Switzers, after the mode adopted by the Argentine Republic, would certainly have the advantage of introducing us to the names and history of many persons of whose deeds a great many of the outer world are lamentably ignorant. If, however, the invidious task of selecting a dozen of the worthiest among the host of worthies is left to the administration of the Post-office, we should not have much faith that the right men were in the right place. In this Pantheon also there surely must be degrees of worthiness. One stamp, like a star, differs from another stamp in glory. One hero's face and figure would be disseminated in the proportion of 100 to 1 of those of another. As philatelists we should be glad to see our albums ornamented by stamps in which great events in a nation's history were faithfully recorded, but how the Swiss victorious battles could be represented in a space of about 16 mm. square, unless by photography, to be seen through the medium of a oxyhydrogen microscope, we are at a loss to conceive. At all events, there would not be room for the display of much maneuvering. Turkey. — This empire seems disposed to endeavour to make one appear more than one, as it issued early in the year a stamp of 1 piastre in black on a blue diapered ground, in which 1 piastre is written 1 piastres. A 20 piastres has since been issued in black on a rose-coloured diapered ground. Both stamps are of the type of 1876. OUR ANNUAL CHRONICLE. JAPAN. — The 14 anna, originally printed in vermilion and then in brown, has subsequently returned to its original color; but the block has evidently been re-engraved, as the errors in the orthography have disappeared in the new issue. This, as also the anna, green, come now to hand perforated very roughly, sometimes seven, at other times eight. Bhore. The Tunbre-Poste has received from Mr. Casey two stamps, the one oval and the other rectangular. The oval stamp is printed in black, and is of the value of 1 anna; the rectangular one is in red, and is of the value of 1 anna. They are printed on laid native paper. It is reported that a series of stamps are in course of preparation, so that we may expect shortly to be introduced to a whole family of Bhores, but whether the stamps hitherto seen are postage stamps is by no means clear. Cashmere. — In July last, The Philatelic Record mentioned that the 3 pies had come to hand on laid instead of pelure paper, that the colour of the 1 anna was modified to Venetian red, and that the 2 annas had put on a slate shade of purple. The % anna, or 3 pies, has subsequently come over printed in blue. Two other values, also of the current type, have been issued printed in red on pelure paper, of the respective values of 4 and 8 annas. These latter have a serrated edge. The Ami des Timbres also mentions an entire series of official stamps, of the values of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 annas, printed in black. Ceylon. — The colour of the 4 cent stamp has been changed from grey to a full pink. Messrs. De La Rue and Co. have furnished a handsome addition to the actual series in the shape of a stamp of 2 rupees. It is printed in pale red-brown on paper watermarked with a crown and c.c., and is perforated 14. The representation of this stamp, which we annex, renders further description unnecessary. A registration envelope, in two sizes, corresponding to the two smaller sizes of the English registration envelopes, and manufactured by the same contractors that furnish these latter, has been issued in Ceylon. The inscription is similar to that on the English registration envelopes; but the impression is in rose-pink. The embossed stamp, of which we give an illustration, is of the value of 1.5 cents, and is struck on the flap like that of the mother country. The stamp on the wrapper issued at the close of last year, is an improvement on that of our own country, which it resembles in its main features. It is printed in reddish brown on white paper, and is, as seen, of the value of two cents. A Postal Union card, of the value of 8 cents, in brown on buff has been issued, as also one of 6 cents in blue on buff. The inscriptions are similar to those on the post cards lately furnished to other colonies by Messrs. De La Rue and Co. Cyprus.— The late types of the English l/2 A. and id., the 2½d, 4d., and is., of the now obsolete colours, and the 6d., have all been purchased in block letters with Cyprus for use in the island. The postal cards of %&. and i½d., and that of the id. with the original superscription, have also been similarly surcharged. All these surcharges are in black. The id. wrapper has been surcharged in brown, and the two smaller sizes of the registration envelopes in blue. The Philatelic Record, from information received from the Postmaster of Cyprus, states that no more English stamps will be surcharged for use there, but that new ones will shortly be issued with the values in piastres. Deccan. — An envelope bearing a stamp of 5 annas of similar type to the current ones has appeared. It is in chocolate-brown, embossed on envelopes made of white, yellow, blue, green, and pink paper. A post card of ^anna has also been issued. The Timbre-Poste rightly says that it is remarkable for its simplicity. In fact, it is devoid of everything except the stamp, which It is that of the second type of the 4 anna envelope, embossed in brick-red. 