From a mere schoolboy pastime it has steadily developed into an engrossing hobby for the leisured and the busy of all classes and all ranks of life, from the royals to the errand boy in the merchant's office.

In the competition of modern life it is recognized that those who must work must also play. The physician assures us that the man who allows himself no relaxation, no recreation, loses his energy, and ages earlier than the man who judiciously alternates work and play.

As stamp collecting may be indulged in by all ages, and at all seasons, it is becoming more and more the favorite indoor relaxation with brain-workers.

It may be taken up or laid down at any time, and at any stage. Its cost may be limited to few cents or dollars, and it may be made a pleasant pursuit or an engrossing study, or it may even be diverted into money-making purposes.

So absorbing is the hobby that in stamp circles there is a saying, "Once a stamp collector, always a stamp collector."

CONTENTS

I. STAMP COLLECTING AS A PASTIME
II. THE CHARM OF STAMP COLLECTING
III. ITS PERMANENCE
IV. ITS INTERNATIONALITY
V. ITS GEOGRAPHICAL INTEREST
VI. ITS HISTORICAL FINGER POSTS
VII. STAMPS WITH A HISTORY
VIII. GREAT RARITIES
IX. THE ROMANCE OF STAMP COLLECTING
X. PHILATELIC SOCIETIES AND THEIR WORK
XI. THE LITERATURE OF STAMPS
XII. STAMPS AS WORKS OF ART
XIII. STAMP COLLECTING AS AN INVESTMENT
XIV. WHAT TO COLLECT AND HOW TO COLLECT
XV. GREAT COLLECTIONS