miliar oak-apple, was long
supposed to be a regular accessory fruit of its parent stalk. Among
early students were many superstitions connected with the Bedegnar, the
nature of which may readily be inferred from its other common name of
"Robin's Pin-cushion."

[Illustration: STAMPS]

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.

A LIST OF DON'TS FOR STAMP COLLECTORS.

Don't paste your stamps into your albums, but use "stickers" or
"hinges."

Don't use any old copy-book if you can afford to buy an album. Dealers
can supply albums at any price from twenty-five cents upward.

Don't trim your stamps. Many valuable stamps have been ruined by this
process.

Don't cut envelope stamps to shape. Cut them out square, leaving a good
margin on all sides.

Don't handle your stamps any more than you can help.

Don't buy rare stamps from any but responsible dealers. Some
counterfeits resemble the genuine stamps marvellously. No one not an
expert could tell them apart.

Don't buy Chinese locals, "Seebecks," and other philatelic trash, which
is made purposely for sale to stamp collectors.

Don't expect to get something for nothing.

FRANK P. HELSEL.--The U. S. 12c. 1872 issue is worth 15 cents. The
50c. green Mauritius 1880 issue is worth 60 cents, unused; 85
cents, used. The "U.S. Post" is the 1864 issue; worth 15 cents.

W. L. L. P.--Most of the Heligoland stamps sold are reprints. They
are worth 3 cents each. Originals are worth from 15 cents to $5
each.

JAMES H. CREIGHTON.--The two stamps are the 3c. 1861 and 1872.
They are sold by stamp-dealers at 1 cent each.

J. A. M.--There is no premium on the 1872 U. S. 1c. coin.

R. F. B.--The U. S. 2c. stamp bearing a representation of a
horseman is the 1869 issue, worth 8 cents used, 25 cents unused.

J. DUFF.--The coin-dealers ask $1.50 for good copies of the 1877
trade dollar. There are several varieties of the 1801 and 1797
copper cents worth from 25 cents to $3 each, according to
condition. There is no premium on the Canadian coin.

G. G. BEATTIE.--Write to any stamp-dealer whose address you find
in our advertising columns. We cannot give addresses in this
Department. The