jan.18,1998

　　dear tom,

　　i'm very glad to know you are interested in stamps and are starting to collect them now.you are asking for advice on stamp-collecting. i think first you should collect as many stamps as you can and trade the stamps you don't want with other people. i don't think you should collect the envelope unless it is unusual or it is a“first day cover”. then you have to decide whether you want to collect a certain kind of stamp, such as stamps with a bird design. you'd better join a group. other people will help you learn more about stamps and they will soon trade stamps with you. have you thought of going to stamp sales and buy whatever you can afford? but at the beginning, you should buy used stamps.

　　stamp-collecting is fun and you may enjoy the unusual and beautiful designs of stamps.

　　good luck!

　　love,

　　uncle fred