ft hand margin instead of the right. A comparison of plates
III. and VI. will shew that the narrow spacing is on the right in both
cases, but in III. the perforating has been started at the top on the
left side of the machine, and in VI. from the bottom on the right side
of the machine.

It is possible that sheets exist with the narrow spaced lines of
perforation on the left side. We have searched in vain for such
varieties, but they may exist. A sheet inverted when placed on the
left side of the machine would shew the top margin perforated through,
and narrow spaced perforation to left; while a sheet inserted top
first on the right hand side would leave the top margin blank and the
bottom one perforated through, and the narrow spaced perforation to
left.

This comb generally perforates so evenly that there is no clashing of
the perforations where the lines meet. Occasionally, however, a sheet
may get off the straight and an irregular perforation occurs.

The sheets perforated in this machine generally have one guide dot
in the left margin, and three at the right (see sheets III.-VII.,
IX.-XI., XIV., XV.).

[page 34]

[Illustration: Comb perforation. Compare crossing of perforated lines
with illustration on page 29.]

The 1/2d. pale orange vermilion exists doubly perforated at the top and
sides.

A minor variety of the 2d. rose shews a small white spot 1/2mm. from the
nose. The stamp is No. 6 on the sheet. The variety has been noted on
several (not all) the sheets of this value, and in various blocks,
pairs and singles.

The left and right hand top stamps (1 and 5) of the 6d. value shew the
sloping label, which is now very prominent (see plate X.).

All the values shew variations in the marks on the back hair and in
the curls.

[page 37]

CHAPTER V.

Issue of 1886-87.

In 1886 a number of the stamps began to appear on the paper
watermarked Crown C.A., the initials of "Crown Agents." The colours
were changed, and a new value inscribed "2 1/2 PENNY" on the value tablet
was added. The values and colours are--

1/2d. grey-green, myrtle-green (shades).
1d. carmine, rose-carmine, crimson.
2d. orange-yellow, orange, deep orange.
2 1/2d. pale ultramarine, deep ultramarine.
3d. grey, slate-grey, pearl-grey.
4d. brown, deep brown.
6d. olive-green, bronze-green, grey-green.
1s. violet, deep violet.

All values exist with the embossing double; several with the embossing
double, one