derable extent throughout the country."

Later Reports simply indicate the extension of the service to other
offices, though the one for 1908 also concedes that the use of a Special
Delivery stamp is not compulsory to secure this service so long as the
extra fee of ten cents is prepaid. We read that:--

The regulations respecting special delivery have been so modified
that it is no longer necessary for a person despatching a letter
which he desires to have delivered immediately, to provide himself
with the "special delivery" stamp issued by the department. He may
now place upon his letter ordinary postage stamps to the value of
ten cents in addition to the stamps required for the prepayment of
postage and write across the corner of the envelope the words
"special delivery". This will ensure the special delivery of the
letter as provided for in the regulations.

_Reference List._

1898. Engraved and printed by the American Bank Note Co.,
Ottawa. No wmk. Perf. 12.

103. 10c deep green, Scott's No. 160.

CHAPTER XXIX.

_The Registration Stamps._

The convenience of the registry system was adopted in Canada in May,
1855, at which time the fee was the remarkably low one of one penny. In
1856 the system was extended to cover letters sent to the United States
by mutual agreement between the post office departments of both
countries, and while the domestic rate remained at one penny the fee for
the registration of letters to the United States was three pence. Mr.
Howes has discovered an interesting notice in the Canadian Directory for
1857-8 which gives further details as follows:--

Persons transmitting letters, which they desire should pass through
the post as "registered letters", must observe that no record is
taken of any letter unless specially handed in for registration at
the time of the posting. Upon all such letters, with the exception
of those addressed to the United States, one penny must be prepaid
as a registration charge. If addressed to the United States, the
ordinary postage rate on the letters to that country _must be
prepaid_, and in addition a registration charge of 3d per letter.
The registry thus effected in Canada will be carried on by the
United States Post Office until the letter arrives at its
destination.

In like manner, letters addressed to Canada may be registere