Stamp collectors can look forward to adding another set of first day covers to their collection with the release of a series of stamps featuring four of Bermuda's caves.

The series, produced by the Bermuda Post Office, marks the discovery of Fantasy Cave, Crystal Cave, Prospero's Cave and Cathedral Cave.

The 35 cent stamp features Fantasy Cave which was discovered in 1912 by Arthur Haycock. It was opened to the public from 1912 until 1931 and recently reopened in July, 2001.

Crystal Cave is shown on the 75 cent stamp. The Hamilton Parish cave was discovered in 1904 by Carl Gibbons and Edgar Hollis and was developed by the Wilkinson family. It was opened to the public in 1908.

The 80 cent stamp features Prospero's Cave which is thought to have been discovered in 1609 or 1910 by Sir George Somers. Originally known as Island Cave, it later came to be known as Prospero's Magic Cave.

Cathedral Cave appears on the $1 stamp. It is situated in the same grounds as Prospero's Cave and is best known for its deep lake. It is thought that the two caves are somehow connected.

The Bermuda Caves commemorative is the second of six new stamp issues to be released by the Philatelic Bureau in 2002. The booklets cost $4 and sets are $2.85.

“This collection continues the Bermuda Post Office's efforts to portray all facets of Bermuda's heritage, culture and history,” said Yvonne Smith, coordinator of Philatelic Services.

The Bermuda Philatelic Bureau worked in conjunction with Sheila Semos, who provided the designs, Gary Berdeaux, who provided the photographs, and David Summers of Bermuda-Caribbean Engineering Consultants Ltd who produced the First Day Cover's descriptive liner.

The stamps are available as of today at the Bermuda Philatelic Bureau in Hamilton and at all of the Island's Post Offices.