eth on a saw. The Columbian
stamps are rapidly advancing in value. The 8c. Sherman has dropped
in value during the past year from 4 cents to a 1/2 cent each.

JAMES F. ANDERSON.--The stamp you describe is the New Orleans
local. It is worth at least $1.50.

A. W. DUNCAN.--The 1830 half-dollar is not at a premium.

R. B. H.--The 3c. green U.S. is worth 1 cent.

F. LOCKE.--The 1853 dime is worth face value only.

GEO. H.--We cannot answer questions regarding dealers in this
column.

B. W. LEAVITT.--The 50c. revenue-stamps mentioned are sold by
dealers at 2 cents each.

C. C. COONER.--The 1c. blue 1861 is worth 3 cents; the others are
worth 1 cent each.

PHILATUS.

THAT SLEIGHT-OF-HAND PERFORMANCE.

BY CHARLES M. SHELDON.

It had been a very dull winter at Colby, and when we college boys came
home for our Christmas vacation we determined we would liven it up for
the village.

As it happened, curiously enough, a funeral was the cause of the lively
time that followed our determination.

Old Father Colby, one of the original settlers, had died the week
before, leaving a wife and three orphaned grandchildren in the old
homestead, and, as it turned out, very destitute. So the idea occurred
to us to get up a benefit entertainment, and turn over the proceeds to
the widow Colby and her family of grandchildren.

The idea took with the neighborhood. And we at once rented the
Town-hall, and proceeded to bill the village and every barn in the
township with the notices of our performance.

There were three of us: Tom Chandler, Jonas Willitts, and myself, Peter
Samuels. We were the only village boys who had ever been to college, and
we were the envy of all the farmers' boys and the admiration of all the
village girls. So we made the most of our brief vacations to get into
public notice.

We determined to give a sleight-of-hand performance. Tom sent down to
Boston for materials, and we all practised diligently, keeping
everything as secret as if we were in a conspiracy against the United
States.

Our announcements, which were scattered all over the township, were
certainly very attractive. They read as follows:

"Extraordinary Performance to be given at the Town-hall, Colby, December
20, 18--. Marvellous Feats of Prestidigitatorism! The Egg and the
Handkerchief! The Watch Mortar and Magic Pistol!

"The Handkerchief that will not Burn! The Pu