branch of the post-office was first established in 1848, and further improved by regulations issued in 1855, '57, and '70. The postage is now one half penny for every 2 oz. or fraction of that weight. A book-packet may contain books, paper, or parchment, whether plain, or written, or printed upon (provided there be noth ing of the nature of a letter); maps, prints, etc. (but not in glass frames). Circulars, when wholly or in great part printed or lithographed, may also be sent by book-post, singly or in packets. The postage must be prepaid by adhesive stamps, or by a stamped wrapper; if not prepaid the packet is charged double the book-postage; if not suffi prepaid it will be charged double the deficiency. If there is a cover it must be open at the ends. No book-packet must exceed 5 lbs. in weight; it must not be over 1 foot 6 in. length by 9 in. in width and 6 in. in depth; nor must it contain anytking sealed against inspection. An entry on the first page of the book stating who sends it, or to whom it is given, is allowed. In order to secure the return of book-packets that can not be delivered, it is recommended to have the names and addresses of the senders written or printed outside. No writing in the way of a letter or communication is allowed; if any such communication be found within a packet the whole will be charged the unpaid letter rate, and forwarded. The book-post has been extended to the colonies and to foreign countries at varying rates.
Colonial and .Foreign Pattern and Sample Post.—This post extends to most colonies and foreign countries, at rates corresponding with those for book packets. It is restricted to bond file trade patterns or samples of merchandise. Goods sent for sale, or in execution of an order (however small the quantity may be), or any articles sent by one private party to another which are not actually patterns or samples, are not admissible. The patterns are to be sent in covers open at the ends or sides; but samples of articles which cannot be placed in open covers may be inclosed in transparent bags. Such arti cles as knives, scissors, etc., may be sent to places abroad, except France and the French colonies, provided they arc so packed as to do no damage.
Post cards, bearing a half-penny impressed stamp, are transmissible within the United Kingdom. On the stamped side the address alone is to be written. On the other side any communication may be written or printed. Private cards are, in certain circum stances, allowed to be impressed with a half-penny stamp. Inland post-cards are issued in two qualities, " stout" and " thin," at 8d. and 7d. per dozen respectively. There are also foreign post-cards (price 1d. and lid.) for places within the postal union, used also for India, the French colonies, etc., on payment of a small additional charge.
Money Orders.—Inland money orders may be obtained at any of the post-offices of the United Kingdom, on payment of the following commission: For sums under 10s.-2d. ; for 10s. and under £2-3d. ; for £2 and under £3-4d. ; for £3 and under £4-5d. ; and so on, up to £9 and under £10-11d. ; £10-1s. Money-orders may now be issued to the colonies,
to most European countries, the United States, Egypt, etc., the conunis:sion being about three to four times the above rate. In applying for a money order the surname and ini tial, at least, of one Christian name of the sender, and the name of the person to whom payable, must be given; but the designation of a firm will suffice, and the name of the person to whom the order is payable may be withheld, if it is to be paid through a bank. A money order in the United Kingdom becomes void if not presented for pay ment before the end of the twelfth calendar after that in which it was issued. Orders drawn on France or Italy must be paid within three mouths. As the lower rates for inland money orders entail a loss on each transaction, a parliamentary committee in 1877 recommended a revision of the scale, and the issue of "postal notes" for small fixed sums.
Any person with a fixed residence may have a private box at the post-office on pay ing an appointed fee; but in no other case can a resident have his letters addressed to the post-office. See POSTE RESTANTE.
Letters containing anything liable to injure the contents of the mail-bag are not allowed to be sent by post. This comprehends glass in any form, vessels containing liquids, meat, fruit, explosives, sharp instruments, etc.
Telegrams.—The charge for the transmission of messages by telegraph throughout the United Kingdom is 1s. for the first twenty words, and 3d. for each additional five words, or part of five words; the charge for five words or less to the Scilly Isles is 2s. 6d., plus the ordinary inland rate; each additional word being charged 6d.
The Unitersal Postal Union.—In Oct., 1874, a conference at Berne resulted in the establishment of the " general postal union," embracing all the European countries, with Egypt and the United States, and resulting in a great simplification of international postal arrangements. This was followed in June, 1878, by the treaty of Paris, signed or subsequently adhered to by all the parties to the former treaty, with the addition of British India, the colonies of France, Spain, Holland, and Portugal, various British colonies, Persia, Japan, Liberia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, etc., the new convention receiv ing the name of the "universal postal union." Under this important treaty all the con senting nations were declared to be "a single postal territory for the reciprocal exchange of correspondence." Equal rates, weights, and rules are established, and con siderable reduction of postage have followed its adoption. Except in the case of lengthy sea transit, a uniform rate of 25 centimes (23d.) is adopted for a letter of 15 grams (3 oz.); of 10 centimes (1(1.) for post cards; of 5 centimes (3d.) for packets of print. etc., of 50 grams (2 oz.); and of 25 centimes (23d.) for registration in Europe, and 50 centimes (5d.) for registration beyond Europe.—See Her Majesty's Mails, by Lewins: the Postmaster-General's Annual Reports; Almanac/I de Gotha; Martin's States man's Year Book, etc.