This stamp was of similar size to the other values of the set then current (excepting the 20c and 50c, of course) and it was printed from steel plates in sheets of 200 arranged in ten horizontal rows of twenty stamps each. According to Mr. Howes, there were no marginal imprints of any kind. This denomination was printed on wove paper and perforated 12 like the others. The variety with gauge of 11-1/2 x 12 is reported in connection with this value but, like the similar varieties of the earlier issues which we have already mentioned, the statement requires verification before it can be definitely accepted. The 8c is known entirely imperforate in the blue-grey shade, which was one of the earliest if not the first shade for this stamp. The _Philatelic Record_ calls it "slate-grey" but evidently the tint now generally classified as "blue-grey" was meant. This stamp provides a large number of very distinct shade varieties. Just 13 months after it was first chronicled the _Philatelic Record_ says:--"Whether by accident or intention does not appear to be quite clear, but copies of the present 8 cents are found in much darker color than we have hitherto seen. Messrs. A. Smith & Son have shown us copies that are slate-black of the darkest kind." A writer in the _Canada Stamp Sheet_ for October, 1900, says:-- There are three varieties of this stamp, the slate, the lilac-grey and the purple. The first and second tints are comparatively common, but the purple is not found in every dealer's stock nor has it a place in many stamp collections. In fact, it is a variety but little known to the average collector, from the fact that it is seldom offered, either on approval sheets or on the counter of the dealer. There ought to be no difficulty in distinguishing this stamp from its mates of the same denomination, for while the backs of the rest present a white surface, in this case the back or paper is of a decidedly purplish hue. In my opinion this stamp is a good one to pick up now, as its present value is far below its intrinsic worth. Later still, a German paper referred to three main printings for this stamp a translation of the article appearing in _Gibbons Stamp Weekly_ for June 13th, 1908, as follows:-- The last stamp issued showing a portrait of the late Queen Victoria as a young girl was the 8 cents, Canada, issued in July, 1893. The stamp was intended for a combined postage and registration stamp; 3c for postage (inland) 5c registration fee. There were three distinct printings of this stamp; they may be easily distinguished from each other by differences of shade. July, 1893, blue-grey. October, 1895, slate-grey. ? 1897, purple-black. The total number issued of these stamps was 5,885,000, but unfortunately there are no records of the quantities of each of the three printings.