Island the charge for let ters is the same as within the interior of the The rate to British Co- sum, we should think the series would require the addition of a representative of the value. The regulations with respect to newspapers are upon a liberal scale, the ordinary rate being commuted for a sort of subscription, payable in advance, either by the publisher or receiver. Thus for a paper published once a week, the charge is but 5 cents per quarter; for papers published twice a week, 10 cents per quarter, and so on. Exchange papers passing between publishers in Canada, and publishers in the United States, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland, are to pass free, one copy of each paper to each publisher. The half-cent will only be specially available for periodicals weighing less than one ounce when posted in Canada for any place within the dominion, but, of course, may be used also in conjunction with others. The following is the retrograde provision complained of by the journals: As the postage on periodicals, other than newspapers, will be payable in advance; and as certain classes of such periodicals, printed and published in Canada, and sent from the office of publication to regular subscribers, have for some time past been exempted from postage, where exclusively devoted to the education of youth, to temperance, agriculture, and science, or for other reasons; it is ordered, that with respect to periodicals which do. now enjoy this privilege of exemption, the exemption shall continue until the expiration of the current yearthat is, until the 31st December, 1868; and that from the 1st January, 1869, all such special exemptions and privileges shall cease. Well, the liberal franchise belongs now to the "good old times; " but the day may come when it will be renewed, and even extended to the old country; then we shall be happy to give our readers the benefit of the abolition of postage in reduction of price. 66 BOLIVIA. We have just received a stamp purporting to be for this country, which, if our continental friends will once more pardon us for the expression, is really beautiful. We have heard nothing from any of our American correspondents of a new series being in preparation, and this fact, perhaps, throws some little doubt on its authenticity. If, however, the imposition-manufacturers have produced this and the Paraguayan device, we shall seriously begin to think of collecting their works-not as vermin, but as things of beauty!" The design of this new-comer may be described as follows: within a large circle, occupying the greater portion of the stamp, is a central oval containing a landscape, in which a snow-capped peak is the principal feature; this oval is supported by flags, above which figures an eagle, whilst below, between the points of the flagstaffs, are placed nine stars. large circle, upon a waved label, is the inscription CORREOS DE BOLIVIA, and in each of angle is filled in with scroll work, and in the the upper corners the figure 10. The rectlower margin is the value in words, DIEZ CENTAVOS. The impression is in vermilion, on white paper, and the stamp is neatly perforated. Above the MADEIRA.-M. Moens in his last number signalises the existence of the 20, 50, 80, and 100 c. Portuguese, perforated; and of the remaining stamps unperforated, marked with the word MADEIRA in black on all, except the 5 reis, on which it appears in red. ROMAN STATES.-We have just received specimens of the new 10 c. vermilion, and 20 c. lake, perforated. A commencement has thus been made, and no doubt in a short time the whole series will be issued with this improvement. TASMANIA. The sixpence of this country is now printed reddish-lilac. The correspondent to whom we are indebted for this information sends us, at same time, a fourpence blue, present issue, unperforated, which he took from a letter dated the 26th June, 1857. Levrault's date of issue-1st October, 1858-is thus clearly proved erroneous. We shall not be far out if we place the date of issue as the 1st January, 1857. PRUSSIA. The only other engraving for the present month is that of another of the field-post envelope series, which has lately turned upcolour, blue. If a PREUSS: BATAILLON AACHEN 25 LANDW:REGNTS collector has a copy of this stamp, we should advise him to keep it as a curiosity; but we would not stimulate him to any remarkable effort to obtain one. TES AUFGEBOT. been added to the pair of envelopes, the series now forming a handsome trio. The newcomer is a 30 c. blue, on paper watermarked, like the others, with a dove. In consequence of a postal treaty with North Germany, the 40 c. adhesive green will be withdrawn on the 1st September next, and replaced by a. 25 centimes, of the same colour. LEVANT. The two stamps which we noticed a short time since in our article on "Locals and their value," have been superseded by a series remarkable, if for anything, for its almost ostentatious plainness. The design may be briefly described as consisting of the figure of value in an oval, contained in a rectangle. To go into greater detail, the figure is of an ornamental character, and below is the abbreviation KoП.; the ground of the oval is formed of fine interlaced loops. The border surrounding the oval contains a Russian inscription in white letters, the same in each value. The loop groundwork is continued beyond the oval, and the spandrels are filled in with fine curved lines, over which is a triangular ornament. The values are four WURTEMBURG.—The postal arrangements also between this country and the Confederation are, we presume, the cause of a change. which has taken place in its series. The 6 kr. blue has been suspended by a 7 kreuzer, which is already found in two shades--slateblue, and thick (dull) blue. The 6 kr. envelope will probably share the fate of its adhesive congener. All the stamps are on white paper, and are perforated. SWITZERLAND. - Another individual has BRITISH COLUMBIA. The postmaster of British Columbia has informed a correspondent that he will very shortly issue new stamps of the following values-25 c., 50 c., 75 c., and 1 dollar. We have no further details as yet. UNITED STATES.-Mr. Chute writes us that Mr. Nesbitt is preparing dies for new 12 and 15 c. envelopes. He says there will probably be a number of designs exhibited before the department. THE NEW CALEDONIA STAMP. WE draw our readers' attention to the following communication in reference to this stamp, which appeared in a recent number of the Queen. Without giving entire credence to the statements it contains-some of which indeed (those first quoted from the Briefmarken are rather absurd-we may observe that no official proof of the issue of this particular stamp has, so far as we know, been given. Levrault, in his latest edition, places the date of emission as "1860-61," and Moens, in his new catalogue, as "1860," which proves that the exact date of emission is not known to either. The question having been started should now receive a decisive answer. "It is curious how many old and even experienced collectors still retain their faith in the genuineness of the New Caledonia stamp, in spite of the strongest proofs to the contrary; and I have the pleasure of knowing an Italian officer-the possessor of the best. and most perfect collection of stamps I have ever seen- who has in his album the entire sheet of fifty heads. For this he gave a large price, which perhaps accounts for his deeply-rooted convictioh in the once official existence of the stamp in question. I have a specimen myself, and keep it as a curiosity, though I have not the slightest doubt of its being, in vulgar parlance, a humbug. "The following remarks, taken from the Briefmarken Sammler, will, I think, sufficiently show how untenable is the supposition of its genuineness: It is, in fact, a wonder how a stamp that bears on the face of it the proof of falsity can still find credulous acknowledgment of its veracity. First of all, the stamp is lithographically engraved-a mode that opens the door to endless varieties of forgeries. Secondly, the manner in which the plate is arranged for fifty impressions, is a most unheard-of coincidence. Instead of taking all the impressions from one and the same die, the result of which would, at all events, have been to produce a harmonious appearance in all the stamps, the lithographer has preferred to take the casts [!] from fifty different dies; the consequence being that each impression is distinct, and no two stamps exactly resemble each other. These differences are strongly discernible in the inscription, which consists of letters of various shapes and sizes. And now, we would ask, is it probable, or even possible, that any government could think of putting into cir culation a postage stamp which is engraved in fifty different variations, and of which no one could know what the original was like? Fortunately, however, this reproach can be cast upon no government; for even Berger-Levrault-a great authority, I suppose-dates the official existence of this stamp from 1852. But before the year 1853 no French Government existed in New Caledonia. Finally, from communications received, neither the general post direction in Paris, nor anyone on the island itself, was ever aware of the official existence of the stamp in question, so that, according to all appearance, we have to deal with a stamp the value of which, in the public eye, is owing simply to a successful mystification; and we must express our regret that the publishers of albums and catalogues have not yet decided to erase from their lists this purely traditionary "mark" (the German expression for postage stamp). 66 The following translation of a letter from a contributor to the Briefmarken Sammler will throw considerable light on the origin of this stamp: Naunberg, 27th July, 1866. Respected Editor,-In the second number of your valuable paper, Mr. L. A. has very properly inveighed against the disgraceful New Caledonian swindle, and I permit myself to make still further revelations to you on the matter, for the reason that the public generally has shown itself capable of being very easily deceived by this imposture. [I have thus translated the German word wechselbalg, because its literal signification," changeling," or urchin," would not convey the writer's meaning to English readers.] The information I am about to communicate has been received from one who was formerly a very zealous interceder in favour of this stamp, and Ï can therefore answer for its authenticity. The really curious part of the matter is (what Mr. L. A. would probably never guess) that the stamp in question is really the offspring of that South Sea island, New Caledonia; and this, perhaps, in some measure accounts for its wretched appearance. Its origin to be traced to the following accident: A merchant captain from Marseilles, who during his voyages was in the habit of putting in at various harbours in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, had previous to this period received from collectors commissions to procure the various postage stamps which were in circulation in those regions. As the passion for stamp collecting increased he ventured to bring some with him on his own account, and the sale of these was entrusted to his wife, who remained behind in Marseilles. The business seems to have been a profitable one, for the captain, finding himself on one occasion necessitated from some cause or other to stay longer than was his wont at his regular station, Port Prince, induced a clever but starving lithographer, whose acquaintance he made there (and who appears to have kept some of his materials by him, with the hope, no doubt, of inducing some of the native gentlemen to let him make them gorgeous visiting-cards), to manufacture for him the New Caledonian stamp. Here, consequently, this child of the Southern Ocean, begotten in deceit, first saw the light. On his return to France the captain goes very cautiously to work; he knows what a treasure he has in his possession, but has no idea of squandering it lightly. He was well known as a purveyor of foreign stamps; why should anyone entertain a doubt as to the genuineness of the specimens that he had brought with him? Thus he succeeded in deceiving a great number of collectors and dealers. The provision he brought with him can have been by no means scanty; as, even after his death, his widow continued the sale of this stamp, and succeeded in entangling many German dealers in her chains, by, for her, very advantageous exchange negotiations. This is about all I have succeeded in discovering respecting the stamp in question, and the relation of these circumstances is grounded almost entirely upon the admissions of the captain's widow, which she made when it was pointed out to her in what mystery the existence of the stamp was shrouded, and how completely its official circulation was ignored by the authorities. The history of the stamp will, I think, clearly testify to the collector how cautiously he must proceed in his dealings, since the world lets itself be cheated very readily, and it is an extremely difficult matter to uproot a well-established prejudice, or rather prepossession.-B.S. "I trust that the perusal of these translations will induce collectors who have not yet been made aware of the circumstances I have related, to rate the New Caledonian production at its just worth; and while I myself confess to the intention of keeping the specimen I possess as a curiosity, I could not criticise the conduct of another, who, strictly adhering to the plan of collecting only officially-acknowledged stamps, would refuse a place in his album to this pretentious impostor. "Florence." "WILD HUNTER. WHAT SHALL WE COLLECT? BY R. F. WILME. a Ar the present time the pursuit, which, at a former epoch in the eventful history of philately, its foes derisively termed passing "fancy," has reached such firm ground, and attained to so established a position, that no diversity of opinion on the part of its supporters can seriously injure its existing status, or mar the brightness of its future prospects. Therefore, there is no reason to lament over what has now become an accomplished fact, or to mourn the existence of two great parties in our widespread world of timbrophily. But it is well that each vessel should sail under her own proper colours, and that the rival schools clearly understand for what they are fighting. And though words are but expressive of something deeper, yet on that account they are not to be despised. For which reason, let the national section of collectors be known as stampists only, but the other, or continental portion, ought to be called postal amateurs. Thus distinctive and unmistakeable standards would be raised, around which philatelists might rally, engaging in that wordy war which tends so greatly to the progress of truth, and to mutual advantage. Those who are simply stamp collectors must not, however, look with contempt upon their brethren who go beyond them in the search for entertainment and recreation, and who add to the mere accumulation and arrangement of the impressions or stamps the study of varieties, which, though minute, will often prove interesting, and amply repay observation. Not only these, but also all postal matters, are perfectly legitimate objects for the notice and collection of an amateur. If once the ice is broken, and the philatelist enters on the paths of novelty, there remain no fresh obstacles, save, indeed, the increased expense, to restrain his newfound ardour. Postmarks, unstamped envelopes bearing signs of postal transit, and all things connected with the carriage of letters through the post, may lawfully claim his attention. But such matters as certainly have very little in common with stamp collecting; and though peopling the ranks of the army of timbrophily, the continental. school profess doctrines almost totally removed from any with which philatelists proper, or their literary organ, have to do. They stand, indeed, upon a platform which is, in part, occupied by the national, or British party, but their pursuit is a hundred. times more extended than that of their opponents. Now, there are many things to be said in favour of the accumulation of the various matters which are bound up with that gigantic system, which in our days has done, and is still doing, so great and increasing a work. But to my mind it seems absolutely ridiculous that for such a trivial cause as a difference in the quality of the paper on which the design is impressed, two copies of a stamp should be collected. The examination of perceptible and microscopial minutiæ diversifies the leisure hours of the curious. philatelist, and in my own case has been productive of much amusement, and some discoveries; but the absolute confusion, as well as absurdity of some of the distinctions noted by members of the continental school, is apparent to any person perusing the recent laboriously and elaborately-got-up catalogue of M. Berger-Levrault. work, which bears on every page marks of the compiler's skill, is, in some parts, extremely complicated, and no stamp album published would contain the number of varieties named and described-some merely differing in the most uninteresting particulars. For Victoria, a country by no means prolific in postal affairs, some 80 or 90 are described; and about 120 are put down to Spain. And these are merely examples taken hap-hazard, and without selection. This if To arrange the stamps and their varieties. noted in this book, it would be necessary, things were carried out in a geographical and historical manner, to make use of halfa-dozen moderately-sized albums - thus making timbrophily a very weighty matter indeed, although pockets would be considerably lightened. And newly-issued labels, which are being continually, in fact, almost daily, emitted, would every three or four years call for the addition of a fresh volume. The expense and inconvenience of collecting would thus be materially augmented, and philately be hampered with those drawbacks which have so seriously retarded the progress of a kindred amusement-the collection of coins; as also many other pursuits. Concerning variations in paper and watermark, I do not notice them in my album. I leave space only for one copy of each stamp; but at the end of an issue I allow some room for labels differing from others merely in slight contrarieties of colour, and trivial varieties of design. Personally, I am strongly in favour of preserving old and modern postmarks, and keeping them in a volume apart from their more aristocratic companions. They are mostly dated, and although devoid of beauty, are in endless variety, and would form an interesting collection. These might, in addition, be made to serve the useful purpose of elucidating that often doubtful mystery-the year of issue of a postage stamp. But all these matters admit of endless controversy; and amongst so numerous a body as the philatelists of Europe, it would be strange, indeed, to find perfect unanimity existing. Disunion on some points is not of necessity weakness, though unity and strength at times are inseparable. So long as investigation and discussion are ducted without acrimony, the final result is usually the triumph of truth; and to combat an opposing principle or opinion save by argument is the height of folly, and the favourite resort of the illiberal. con Finally, I would conclude by remarking on the want of an English catalogue, which, while noticing all known varieties, would only bestow a separate description upon issues of stamps recognised by the mass of collectors of the national school. For instance, after particularising the current emission for Servia, it could be added, in smaller type, that the tints and designs of these labels vary slightly. By pursuing this course, in opposition to the system adopted by M. B.-Levrault, considerable space would be saved, and much trouble and confusion avoided. HOW THEY MANAGE MATTERS IN FRANCE. BY OVERY TAYLOR. (Second Article.) In the last number we promised some details respecting the present working of the French post-office, and these we now proceed to give. It is only right, though, to acknowledge, that for the facts given we are almost exclusively indebted to an interesting article by M. Zaccone, which appeared in Le Siècle of October last. This article treats more especially of the service of Paris-but in postal matters, as in most others, “Paris is France," and thus monopolises to itself the interest. In the year 1759 the French post first assumed importance. Nine offices were then established in the capital, and 200 postmen distributed the letters. Continuing, in a progressive spirit, many useful modifications were engrafted upon it: and at the time of the restoration it collected, in Paris only, from 25 to 30 million letters, of which four-and-a-half were for re-delivery in the capital. Now there are in Paris 57 postoffices, and 584 letter-boxes. The number of postmen and distributors of letters is 1231, and that of the agents who clear the boxes upwards of 169. The correspondence. of Paris for Paris has attained the figure of 26 millions per annum, and 62 vehicles are daily required to make in all 451 journeys for the collection and delivery of letters for or from the departments. Seven times a day you may see pass upon these rapid omnibuses, and descending each in his turn to his respective quarter, those indefatigable agents, dressed in the green tunic, with shako above, and box in front. Everybody knows the postman, and everybody likes him. In France, he does not get a Christmas box; but when New-Year's day comes round, he carries with him a neatly-printed almanack, mounted on cardboard, and having on the reverse a summary of the chief postal regulations; this he distributes at every house on his beat-a gentle hint, which few fail to take. It is the custom with our neighbours, as we mentioned in our last, to send visiting-cards |