People tend to amass possessions. Indeed they can have a delightful surprise when they fin

d something useful which they did not know they owned. Some people leave unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for years, in the belief that they may one day need just those very things. Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different. It provides relaxation for leisure hours, because just looking at one s treasures is always a joy. One does not have to go out for amusement, since the collection is housed at home. Whatever it consists of, stamps, first editions of books, antique furniture, stuffed birds, toy animals, there is always something to do in connection with it, from finding the right place for the latest addition to verifying facts in reference books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject, but also in general matters which have some bearing on it.