made, 15 x 10 in.)]

[Illustration: "ON THE TERRACE." (E. A. ROWE.) _From his water-colour
in the New Gallery, 1894._

Size of Pen Drawing, 5-3/4 x 7-1/2 in.]

Some people cannot draw firm clean lines at all, and _should not attempt
them_. Few allow sufficiently for the result of reduction, and the
necessary thickening of some lines. The results are often a matter of
touch and temperament. Some artists are naturally unfitted for line
work; the rules which would apply to one are almost useless to another.
Again, there is great inequality in the making of these cheap zinc
blocks, however well the drawings may be made; they require more care
and experience in developing than is generally supposed.

As line drawing is the basis of the best drawing for the press, I have
interspersed through these pages examples and achievements in this
direction; examples which in nearly every case are the result of
knowledge and consideration of the requirements of process, as an
antidote to the sketchy, careless methods so much in vogue. Here we may
see--as has probably never been seen before in one volume--what
harmonies and discords may be played on this instrument with one string.
One string--no "messing about," if the phrase may be excused--pure black
lines on Bristol board (or paper of the same surface), photographed on
to a zinc plate, the white parts etched away and the drawing made to
stand in relief, ready to print with the letterpress of a book; every
line and touch coming out a black one, or rejected altogether by the
process.

[Illustration: No. XIV.

"_For the Squire_," by SIR JOHN MILLAIS, BART., R. A.

This is an example of drawing for process for rapid printing. The
accents of the picture are expressed firmly and in the fewest lines,
to give the effect of the picture in the simplest way. Sir John
Millais' picture, which was exhibited in the Grosvenor Gallery in
1883, was engraved in mezzotint, and published by Messrs. Thos. Agnew
& Sons. (Size of pen-and-ink drawing, 7-1/4 x 5-1/2 in.) It is
suitable for much greater reduction.]

Drawings thus made, upon Bristol board or paper of similar surface, with
lamp black, Indian ink, or any of the numerous inks now in use, which
dry with a dull, not shiny, surface, will always reproduce well. The pen
should be of medium point, or a brush may be used as a pen. The lines
should be clear and sharp, and are capable of much variation in style
and treatm