with much profit and entertainment.  Considered in all its aspects, philately is even more instructive than matrimony.  You will remember the elder Weller’s views on the latter subject:  “Ven you’re a married man, Samivel, you’ll understand a good many things as you don’t understand now; but vether its worth while going through so much to learn so little, as the charity boy said ven he got to the end of the alphabet, is a matter o’ taste.  I rather think it isn’t.”  This reproach cannot be applied to philately.  It teaches even the unwilling and careless.  In the effort to fill the spaces in their albums they must learn what varieties they are lacking and in what these differ from other and similar varieties.  Thus some knowledge must be gained, even if unsought.  To the studious and the careful, in this as in other things in life, the greatest benefits naturally accrue.

In my remarks this evening I shall endeavor to touch upon a few subjects which are quite certain to attract the attention of any one who takes up stamp collecting with any degree of earnestness and thoroughness.  That these subjects open up other fields for interesting and profitable study will be readily apparent.

Let us take a postage stamp and consider it.  Aside from the name of the country whence it emanates and the expression of value, what do we find in it to study?  First the design, next the means by which the design was prepared and placed upon the paper, thirdly the paper upon which the stamp is printed, and lastly the finishing touches of gum, perforation, etc.

[Illustration:  Stamp, “New Zealand”, 9 pence]

[Illustration:  Stamp, “Toga”, 5 s.]

In the early days of stamps most countries made their own and they were, in some degree, an indication of the artistic progress, or want of it, in a country.  But we have changed all that and to-day all effort seems to be directed toward producing artistic and attractive stamps.  Sometimes this is due to national pride and occasionally it is intended to draw attention to the resources and natural wonders of a country.  As an example of the latter, here are the marvelous pink terraces of New Zealand, which were, unfortunately, destroyed by volcanic disturbances a few years ago.  But too often, we fear, these picture stamps are produced merely with a view to their ready salability to collectors.  More frequently than not, these brilliant labels are the product of a distant country and are no longer indicative of the artistic status of the country by which they are issued.  For example, a late issue from the Tonga islands but made in London.  Indeed, the wilds of Africa, the distant islands of the Pacific and the tumultuous republics of Central America far outshine the cultured countries of the old world in their postal stationery.  The designs of stamps may suggest many things:  the power of nations, the march of history, the glory of victory, the advance of civilization, art, industry, natural resources, scenic grandure, the dead and storied past, the living breathing present.