ue, they have given greater
variety to the series. In all, care has been taken to make the
numerals distinct; and it is as well that this has been done, as
two of the values assimilate considerably in shade. The half cent
is distinguished from the rest by its smallness--it is quite
one-third less in size, but the device is the same. The stamps are
all printed on substantial paper, are perforated, and of the
following colors:

1/2 cent black
1 " dull red
2 " green
3 cents vermilion
6 " brown
12-1/2 " deep-blue
15 cents mauve

The two lowest values are for newspapers, and are far from being
acceptable, notwithstanding their beauty of design, to the
journalists. It had been expected that newspapers would be sent
throughout the Canadian provinces free of charge; and there has
been in consequence, a loud but ineffectual outcry against the
general imposition of even a reduced rate of postage, and more
especially at the enactment, that the charge must be paid by
senders. "Proprietors of journals," says the _Quebec Chronicle_,
"find it hard enough at present to collect the simple subscription,
without demanding postage in advance. People who writhe at present
under the payment of their bare paper account, will find forwarding
postage, in advance, an excruciating sacrifice." The 2 cents is no
doubt primarily intended for soldiers' letters. The 3 cents pays
the new single rate for postage; the 6 cents the charge on letters
to the United States. The 12-1/2c represents the postage to
England; and the 15c the rate for letters sent via New York.
Possibly a 10c will yet be added to the series, but the old 17c
will find no substitute in it. The new rates came into operation on
the 1st April, and we suppose on that date all the pre-existing
stamps of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were withdrawn.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

The stamps of this series provide quite an extensive range of shades,
especially as regards the 2c, 6c, and 15c. In the case of the latter
value the range of tints is so great that it is difficult to know what
was its originally intended color. The first shade was evidently mauve,
as given in the _Stamp Collector's Magazine_ chronicle, b