ntirely
imperforate.

_Reference List._

1869. Change of color. Wove Paper. Perf. 12.

24. 1c orange, Scott's No. 31.

CHAPTER IX.--_The Large 5c Stamp._

Although it somewhat interrupts the chronological sequence of our
narrative, before dealing with the small "cents" stamps, first appearing
in 1870, it will be as well to give the history of the large 5c stamp
which, though not issued until 1875, really belongs by virtue of its
type and general appearance to the series of 1868.

It is known that the die for this 5c stamp was engraved in 1867 at the
same time the dies for the 1/2, 1c, 2c, 3c, 6c, 12-1/2c and 15c values
were prepared for, in the _American Journal of Philately_ for June,
1868, it is stated:--

The Canadian Government have had a 5 cent stamp prepared, engraved
of the same type as the present set, the most noticeable difference
being the circle round the head which is corded. The specimen sent
us is printed in brown on India paper, bearing the Company's
imprint underneath.

Though the die was all ready, as amply proved by the above extract,
no plate was made as there was then no postal rate which required
such a denomination. In 1875, however, the single letter rate between
Canada and Great Britain was reduced to 5c as stated in the
Postmaster-General's Report for 1875, viz.:--

A treaty for the formation of a General Postal Union, and for the
adoption of uniform postal rates and regulations for International
correspondence, was arranged and signed at Berne, Switzerland, in
October, 1874, by the representatives of the Post Offices of the
chief Nations of the world. This agreement took effect between all
the countries which were directly parties to the Treaty in July
last. The Treaty did not include the British Possessions beyond the
sea, but Canada has, with the concurrence of the Imperial
Government, applied for admission as a member of this Postal Union.
Meanwhile the letter rate of postage between Canada and the United
Kingdom has, by arrangement with the Imperial Post Office, been
reduced to the International rate of 2-1/2 pence sterling--5 cents
currency--established by the Union Regulations; and this reduction
has also been made applicable to correspondence passing by way of
New York, making the rate between Canada and the United Kingdom
uniform at 5 cents by whatever rou