as the origin of a recognized parcel post service in
Prussia.[437]

The rates charged were at first based on the numerous diverse
circumstances which governed the early letter rates. They were
increased in the event of any rise in the price of provender, and varied
according to the mode of transmission and according as the parcels were
sent by day or night, in fine weather or in bad weather.[438] In some
cases the rate was varied according to the nature of the contents of the
parcels.

In 1699 a tariff, under which the rates were regulated according to the
distance and without reference to the mode of transmission, was
established between certain offices in Prussia, and in 1712 this tariff
was extended generally. The rate from Magdeburg to Stendal was 3
groschen per pound, to Leipzig 5 groschen per pound, and to Berlin 7
groschen per pound. In 1713 the summer and winter rates were abolished
in Prussia. The rate for ordinary parcels from Berlin to Hamburg was 1
groschen per pound, from Berlin to Magdeburg 7 pf. per pound, from
Berlin to Frankfort 4 pf. per pound, from Berlin to Leipzig 1 groschen
per pound, etc. For provisions the rates were reduced by one-half, and
for fancy goods the rates were doubled, a method of charge which gave
rise to many practical difficulties.

In Saxony, by an ordinance of the 27th July 1713, parcels were divided
into four classes, as follows:--

1. Packets of Documents (_Akten-Pakete_). The letter rate was
applied to these in the following manner:--

1-4 pound parcels were charged as 2-1/2 ounces
4-6 " " " " " 3 "
6-8 " " " " " 5 "

2. Money and fancy goods--

For the value of
1-3 miles 100 thaler current 2 groschen
4-6 " 100 " " 3 "
7-9 " 100 " " 4 "

and so on up to 30 miles. (NOTE.--_Distances are given in German
miles throughout._)

3. Commercial goods--

-------+-----------------------------------------------------------
| Miles.
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
Weight.| 1-3| 4-6| 7-9|10-12|13-15|16-18|19-21|22-24|25-27|28-30
| | | | | | | | | |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
Pounds.| Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr. | Gr.
1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4