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EVERAL years ago a considerable increase was made in the number of stamps listed in the standard catalogue. It was considered desirable to make a full list of all the minor varieties of stamps. Therefore a principal number was given to each Important variety, and all the smaller differences which existed in the stamp were listed under the: letters a, b, etc. This increased very largely the number of collectable varieties. If this were confined to the catalogue, it would not interfere with collecting; but inasmuch as many of the smaller varieties have had spaces allotted to them in the printed albums, their number is so great that it has become impossible to make a complete collection of stamps. The idea which is at the foundation of stamp collecting is that of completeness. No collector is satisfied with securing a part of a set; and when it happens that all of a certain series may be secured with the exception of one or two unobtainable varieties, the collector is discouraged by the incomplete appearance of the page in his album. The great increase in the number of varieties which has occurred in recent years will undoubtedly cause a reaction which will result in the listing of many stamps now considered principal numbers as minor varieties, and there will be published albums which will conform to this reduction in the number of principal stamps. It is well to have a catalogue and to know the differences which exist; but the young collector especially will do well to confine his collecting to the stamps which are easily recognized as principal varieties.

HE collection of the stamps of our own country will become even more popular than it is when the printed albums cease to show spaces for many of the small varieties. A vacant line for the first issue of the stamps of 1861, which is seen in the album of nearly every collector of stamps, is discouraging to any one seeking a full representation of the stamps which have been issued by the United States. The differences of paper and of watermark are of little interest to most collectors of United States stamps. The thing to do at the present time is to save one of each principal variety until an album is issued which will provide spaces for these stamps only.

HE adoption of what is known as the multiple water-mark for the stamps of Great Britain and her colonies will do much to bring about a disregard of small differences. The water-mark crown and C. A. have heretofore been used on these stamps, with care that each specimen should possess one water-mark. The multiple water-mark idea is to cover the paper with the water-marks and let the stamps fall where they will. It is the same as the use of the U S P S water-mark in United States stamps.

Water-marks have been collected so long that it will probably be some time before they are dropped from printed albums, but the increase in the number of varieties that is being made every year will surely result in this finally.

HERE are many of the older issues of stamps which cannot be called beautiful, but which are, nevertheless, worthy of collection. The issues for Norway are among these. The designs are very simple, and were in use for many years; thus the stamps are easily obtained, and there are none of the sets which cannot be completed at small expense.

ERVIA has given us a stamp in commemoration of the coronation of, September 21, 1904, which is interesting from the historical standpoint. It bears the profile not only of Peter, but also of, who founded the family and the kingdom in 1804. Black George, as his name signifies, drove out the Turks in that year, and reigned as king nine years, He then abdicated the throne, and ten years later the ancestor of King Alexander, who was murdered in June, 1903, succeeded in again driving them from the country. The two families have ruled in Servia since this time.

HE stamps of Great Britain were surcharged for use in Zululand, Cyprus, and some other countries, because they were needed for immediate use, and there was no time to prepare separate issues such as were made and sent out to these countries later, The stamps of Ecuador designated in the calalogue under date of 1865 as “arms in circle” should really be spoken of as ‘arms in broad oval,” for the space in which they are included is not a complete circle. There were many remainders of the stamps of Schleswig-Holstein when their issue was discontinued. It is for this reason that they are frequently found in such fresh condition. Collectors need not fear that they are reprints. The stamps of Great Britain are surcharged for use in Turkish offices, because there is a difference in the value of Turkish and English money. Eighty paras, for instance, not being exactly the same as fivepence, it would be profitable to purchase them in one country for use in the other were not this surcharging done. There are many counterfeits of stamps of Bremen, and they are so excellent that it is not advisable to buy Bremen stamps from any except the most reliable dealers. Great pains was taken with the work in preparing some of the counterfeits and they are very close imitations of the original stamps.

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