which the coin or stamp hunter enjoys, without the expense
attached to them, for our seals cost comparatively nothing. The outfit
is simple, consisting of a dozen sticks of sealing-wax in different
colors--black, brown, red, gold, white, and green, making a charming
combination with any other shades that take the fancy of the collector.
A light wooden or strong pasteboard box to carry the articles, a box of
matches, a white taper (cut in half for convenience' sake), and, later
on, a piece of stiff white card-board (16 x 22, 22 x 28 being good
sizes) to mount them on.

[Illustration: SEAL OF CONFEDERATE STATES.]

Keep in the bottom of the box containing the wax a dozen or more pieces
of thick, white, unruled writing-paper cut into ovals, circular, oblong,
and square shapes, varying in size from one-half inch in width to two
inches in length. This is all that is required. Now for our hunt. As you
meet friends and acquaintances notice their rings and watch-charms. When
any are discovered with a figure, title, handsome monogram or initial on
it, borrow it, and make your impression. This is accomplished by laying
a piece of your writing-paper, at least half an inch larger than the
seal to be used, on some smooth surface like a table. Then take a stick
of wax between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand. With the left
hand light a match or taper, and bring them together just on the paper
where the wax melts sufficiently to drop freely, rub the end of the
sealing-wax quickly over the middle of the paper. Then moistening the
seal with the tongue to prevent the stone adhering to the burning wax,
press it firmly into the hot bed prepared for it, a second or so, being
careful to lift it straight up when taken off, thus securing a clean
edge. If this is properly done a fine impression of your subject is
secured. Repeat this operation several times, taking different-colored
wax for duplicates, which will enable you to make exchange with other
collectors, who are unable to get these same figures, but have others
not in your collection.

In this manner one is able to secure rare and beautiful heads of men and
women, animals, birds, and fishes. These should be placed in a box by
themselves carried for the purpose--as fast as taken. When the writer
started his group, which was mostly made in Washington, D.C., a few of
the young people met one evening at a friend's house and decided to
begin together, which greatly enhanced our a