Hand-stamps for parcel post were introduced near the turn of the century and appeared in Arabic, sometimes in French, and sometimes in English. In the first period, the French inscription colis postaux was included; in the twentieth century, the English word "parcels" was frequently used or, in some cases, the initial "P" was included in the date-stamp (the Arabic is usually written out: tarood طرود). Since registered letters and parcels were usually handed in over the counter, it became convenient to provide the same post marker for both; these were usually indicated by the initials "R & P". Insured parcels sometimes had special postmarks.