_Perithe._—Whether precious or not, this stone seems unfamiliar to lapidaries, and as regards its appearance we can only report that it was of yellow color. Its virtue was to cure gout, and it had the power to burn the hand when it was held firmly. There are other fabulous stones, as, for example, Lapis Aguila or Eagle Stone, said to be found in the nest of that bird. It assisted childbirth, and according to Dioscorides, served to discover thieves. _Ruby._—The range of auspicious influences possessed by precious stones is exceedingly restricted, and the same virtues recur continually. The ruby resists poison, preserves from the plague, banishes melancholy and diverts evil thoughts. If it should change its color, this is a sign of approaching misfortunes, but it reverts to the original hue when the evil has passed away. _Sapphire._—This stone was good for inflammation of the eyes, and it also attracted good fortune. _Topaz._—This has the faculty of cooling boiling water, and it has been said that those who desire to regain lost positions should not fail to carry it about their person. It procures the sympathy of the whole world. _Turquoise._—We find only that this gem is liable to change its color when worn by certain people, not otherwise described. The Language of Precious Stones The ancients attributed marvelous properties to many of the precious stones. We give in tabular form the different months and the stones sacred to them, with their respective meanings. It has been customary among lovers and friends to notice the significance attached to the various stones in making birthday, engagement and wedding presents. _January, Garnet_—Constancy and fidelity in every engagement. _February, Amethyst_—Preventive against violent passions. _March, Bloodstone_—Courage, wisdom and firmness in affection. _April, Sapphire_—Free from enchantment; denotes repentance. _May, Emerald_—Discovers false friends, and insures true love. _June, Agate_—Insures long life, health and prosperity. _July, Ruby_—Corrects evils resulting from mistaken friendship. _August, Sardonyx_—Insures original felicity. _September, Chrysolite_—Free from all evil passions and sadness of mind. _October, Opal_—Denotes hope, and sharpens the sight and faith of the possessor. _November, Topaz_—Fidelity and friendship. Prevents bad dreams. _December, Turquoise_—Denotes prosperity in love. THE LANGUAGE OF POSTAGE STAMPS The government desires the postage stamp to be placed on a letter in the extreme upper right-hand corner. This is requested in order to facilitate the canceling of a stamp by a special machine made for that purpose. Lovers, however, often oppose this regulation and use the stamp as a means of conveying a message to their beloved. The following are the usual meanings attached to the position of the stamp: Placing the stamp in the upper right-hand corner at a slight angle means: “I expect an immediate reply.”