s led to the looking over of every lot of old letters
within the reach and knowledge of collectors. Consequently the common
varieties of U.S. stamps and envelopes are somewhat of a drug in the
market, and are bought by dealers to-day chiefly on the chance of
finding one or more of the scarcer kinds in the lot of "cheap trash."

I was mistaken in my opinion that the recent find of a big lot of St.
Louis stamps would bring down their price. The exact contrary has been
the effect. Two or three of our largest collectors are ready to buy
these stamps at an increased valuation, as they are now "plating." That
is, they are making up sheets of these stamps as originally issued. As
there were two papers and three plates, and each plate contained six
stamps, to make up a complete set would require thirty-six stamps in
all. The cost of such a set of six plates of six stamps each would
probably be at least $15,000, possibly $20,000.

The new catalogues are appearing. The first in the field was Seuf's,
then Stanley Gibbon's; the next to appear will probably be Scott's.
Meanwhile J. W. Scott has issued a circular of the new prices of the
U. S. issues, and probably will soon issue a new edition of "Our
Catalogue," which was the first ever made in the handy pocket form.

MISS C. A.--The New Jersey cents are worth from 25c. to $3 each,
according to condition, etc.

PHILATUS.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Highest of all in Leavening Strength.--Latest U. S. Gov't Report.

[Illustration: Royal Baking Powder]

Arnold

Constable & Co

* * * * *

Ladies' and Children's

Furnishings

_Children's Long and Short Coats, School Gowns,_

Capes, Dresses, & Caps

_Matinees, Tea Gowns, Wrappers, Corsets._

* * * * *

Paris Underwear

* * * * *

Broadway & 19th st.

NEW YORK.

[Illustration]

Oh, Boys and Girls,

AND ALL WHO ARE YOUNG AT HEART

IF NOT IN YEARS,

_HERE IS FUN FOR YOU!_

=WATERLOO= is novel and =exciting=! It costs =$1.25= (=$1.50=, express
prepaid from publishers). It is one of the famous

Parker Games

Our Illustrated Catalogue, including "=Innocents Abroad=," "=Chivalry=,"
"=Authors=," "=Napoleon=," "=Yankee Doodle=," and 100 others, for
two-cent stamp. "=Brownies=" and "=Wonderland=," by mail, 35 cents each.
Look for the imprint.

PARKER BROTHERS, Salem, Mass., U.S.A.