Gambia

The introductory note says that in collecting the stamps of Gambia one cannot too strongly emphasise the necessity for guarding the stamps of the Cameo series against deterioration by the pressure of the leaves in an ordinary unprotected album. The note adds that sunk mounts or other similar contrivances, and a liberal use of tissue paper, should be utilised by the collector who desires to retain his specimens in their original state. The text says the Gambia river was discovered by a Portuguese navigator in 1447, and that under a charter of Queen Elizabeth a company was formed to trade with the Gambia in 1588. The text says that postally there is little to record prior to 1866, the date ascribed by Mr. F. Bisset Archer, Treasurer and Postmaster-General, to an alteration in the scale of postage.

The text lists copies in trial colours, perforated 12 instead of 14. The text says the plate of the 3d. was altered in the final printing, two additional printers' guide dots being added in the left margin. The text says stamps of Gambia can also occasionally be found with the postmark of the French Colony of Senegambia.