All three values of this first set were issued imperforate and while the 3d, of which at least three millions were issued, varies but little in shade, the 6d, printed in comparatively small quantities, provides a number of striking tints. In his check-list, Mr. Howes gives "black-violet, deep-violet, slate-violet, brown-violet, dull purple, slate, black brown, brownish black, and greenish black", and we have no doubt the list could be considerably amplified, though the above should be sufficient for the most exacting of specialists. The catalogue gives two distinct sorts of paper--laid and wove--for all three values, with a sub-variety of the latter, designated "thin", for the 3d and 6d denominations. But specialists are not satisfied with this meagre classification and recognise numerous other varieties such as thick white laid, soft white wove, thin and thick grayish, thick hard, thick soft, ribbed, etc. Mr. D. A. King, in his article in the _Monthly Journal_, says, "There are fourteen varieties that we are able to distinguish", and he gives a general classification of their characteristics as follows:-- Series I, II, IV and V.--The texture of these papers is virtually the same, and it is indeed often difficult, particularly in the case of the 6d, to distinguish between the _laid_ and _wove_ papers. The lines in the _laid_ paper are of a most peculiar character, and cannot, as a rule, be brought fairly out by holding the stamp between one's eyes and the light. The best way to test these two papers is to lay the stamps, face down, on a black surface, and let the light strike them at about an angle of fifteen degrees, when the _laid_ lines are brought most plainly into view. It is necessary, however, to place the specimens so that the light will strike them parallel to their length, as the _laid_ lines run horizontally in the 3d, and vertically in the 6d and 12d. Series III.--This is an entirely different paper to those mentioned above. The _laid_ lines are most distinct, while the paper is of a different texture and color from the regular gray shade. Series VI.--The paper of this series is almost as thick as that employed for series XII. There is a vast difference, however, in its appearance, as the paper of series VI. is much harder than that of series XII. It feels greasy when rubbed between the thumb and finger, and the color of the paper is distinctly different from that shown by series XII. Series VII, VIII and IX.--We are able to divide the thin-ribbed papers into three varieties, which the description plainly indicates. They are very distinct, and can be distinguished by a moment's inspection without hesitation. Series X.--This is a very peculiar sort of paper, which is quite fragile, and will not bear much handling. It is quite as soft as that of series VII.