I AM A FAKIR.

The dealer sits in the window and wonders why no one comes.

What adds greatly to the attractiveness of Ye Jester is the fact that it is not set up in type and printed, but is written on a mimeograph or some similar machine, and then printed in red and blue. The drawings are clever, and the whole publication so far above the usual grade of amateurs that all lovers of play journalism ought to see what a high standard has been attained in this year of N.A.P.A. grace. Its address is 31 New York Avenue, Brooklyn; single copies are five cents. It is published by the Avalonia Chapter, No. 792.

This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor Stamp Department.

Through some misunderstanding I published in this column the name of a gentleman in New Zealand as desiring to exchange stamps. I have just received the following letter from him:

Dunedin, New Zealand,
October 10, 1896.

Messrs. Harper Brothers, Publishers, New York:

Gentlemen,—If you send me a set of Columbian issue, will forgive you for inserting the fact of my being a stamp fiend; as it is, I am simply inundated with applications for exchange of stamps. Your paper must be extensively read, as I am quite unable to answer half my correspondents—the postage alone would ruin an ordinary mortal. Please apologize for me, and state post-office cannot supply me with stamps required to answer so many anxious inquirers.

Yours truly,
C. H. Osmond.

The collection of Plate Nos. continues to grow, and true values are gradually being ascertained. Some of the Nos. which were formerly quoted at high prices have fallen seventy-five per cent. On the other hand, Nos. formerly low in price have advanced in a corresponding ratio. Three months ago I called attention in this column to the fact that 9000 full sheets having 72,000 Plate Marks of No. 89 had been printed. Several copies of this No. have turned up in small Western post-offices, and the finders obtained $50 each. The last copies to come into the market came from Shanghai, China. The U. S. post-office in that port had a large number of No. 89 sheets, but most of them were used up for postage before their value as Plate Nos. was known. The same thing happened at Shanghai with one of the early 5c. sheets. Almost all the sheets printed in Washington of this No. were sent to Shanghai, and a very few copies only were preserved.

E. R. Thomas.—The Revenue stamps mentioned are worth from 1c. to 5c. each. The 5c. 1861 is worth 35c. The earlier issues are worth much more.

Cynthia A. Hoge.—Apply to any stamp-dealer for catalogue.

A. Lohrman.—I cannot quote values on long list of common stamps. You can buy 2000 varieties of stamps for $35 or $40, or 1000 stamps for $10. This last is just 1c. each, and would form the basis of a very good collection for a beginner.

J. J. Parker.—The dies for the 1869 issue, as first prepared, had the numerals of value quite small. Before any of the stamps were sold, it was determined to make the numerals larger. The complete set from 1c. to 90c. is known with small numerals, and blocks of them were comparatively common twenty-five years ago. Strictly speaking, they are essays, but doubtless would go through the post-office to-day. A few weeks ago a block of four 2c. small numerals were shown at the Collectors Club. They were sold for $40, but have changed hands several times at advanced prices.

F. X. Rush.—The best way to sell great rarities is by auction. For good scarce stamps worth from $5 to $25, the exchange sheets of one of the large city societies is a very good way of selling; but to avail yourself of that means you would have to join the society, as none but members have that privilege. For ordinary good stamps the A.P.A. exchange department is very good. That also is limited to members, but the cost of membership is only $1.80 per year. At the last reports the A.P.A. had over 1000 members.

R. Starke.—From your description I should say you have the ordinary 1871 issue of Tasmania, as all stamps from 1871 to date have the water-mark T. A. S.

A. W. de Roade.—The $2, $3, $4, and $5 Columbian stamps, unused, are turning up in great quantities lately, and have been sold at ten per cent. discount. The $2 stamp is advertised for sale in single copies at $1.75. The present issue dollar values have no premium, as they can be bought at any large post-office at face.

Philatus.

Her graceful presence, everywhere

Suggests the fragrance, faint and rare

With which the sweetest flowers allure:

To such a dainty gown and face

The touch of soap seems out of place—

Save Ivory, which itself is pure.