Page [103] in lines 16 to 20 in second column for S2 T2 U2 V2 W2 read S3, T3, U3, V3, W3.
Page [104] 5th line from bottom, omit u in "prolongued."
Page [143], 9th line from top for "follows" read "above."
Page [144], last line supply "test of" in the blank.
Page [196], 4th line from top for (") read "cochineal."
Page [196], 6th line from top, for "12 cents" read "15 cents."
Preface.
In seeking for information concerning the postage stamps of the United States, we shall turn in vain to sources which have furnished, in other countries, such accurate details in regard to the stamps issued by their postal authorities, for the stamps authorized by the United States Post Office Department are not manufactured by the government, and there is no "stamp office" to authenticate each plate, and register the number of sheets made from it, and no edict, proclamation or law informs the public of the values authorized for use, or of the designs, or other peculiarities of the stamps to be employed. The Postmaster General is authorized, in general terms of the law, to provide such stamps as he may, from time to time, judge most convenient and expedient for the collection of the postal rates fixed by other laws, and is required to have them manufactured by those who, under general provisions of other laws regulating all government work, offer to do it at the lowest price.