The old-style St. Helena stamps have been displaced by the current issue of the De la Rue type. The immediate advance in prices of the obsolete set prompts the Weekly Era to warn the dealers and speculators that the extreme rise in ordinary stamps, simply because they have become obsolete, will tend to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. In many cases such advances are not only unjustifiable, but foolish also, in view of the fact that large stocks are in existence. Every one except speculators will heartily agree with the Era in trying to abolish an evil which threatens the popularity of stamp-collecting.
Philately is only one of the many forms of "collecting" which are a part of our human nature, but it seems exceptionally conducive to sociability, good-fellowship, and general jollity. The Collectors' Club House in New York was taken in hand by a Christmas entertainment committee, who decorated the house with greens, put up a big Christmas tree, and made the whole house seem homelike. The entertainment was given on the night of the 28th of December, and those members who were unavoidably absent missed a great treat. The Christmas tree was stripped, and almost every one received a present of something he did not want—upon the condition, however, that the parcel should be opened by the recipient in full view of all the audience. The burlesque presents showed both good-humor and wit.
New Issues.—British Central America.—
| 1d. black. |
| 2d. black and green. |
| 4d. black and orange. |
| 6d. black and blue. |
The above watermarked Crown C A.
| 2s. 6d. black and violet. |
| 3s. black and yellow. |
| 5s. black and violet. |
| £1 black and orange. |
| £10 black and vermilion. |
| 1s. on £1 blue and red. |
| 2s. on 6d. lilac and red. |
| With black surcharge. |
The above watermarked Crown C C.
Congo.—
| 15c. black and ochre, banana-tree. |
| 40c. black and green, canoe. |
Nankin.—