tle Reader.

The statue seen in the picture is that of Bishop Latimer.

[PLATE XXII. WESTMINSTER ABBEY]

PLATE XXII. WESTMINSTER ABBEY

PLATE XXII. WESTMINSTER ABBEY

The stately edifices of the British Metropolis too frequently assume from
the influence of our smoky atmosphere such a swarthy hue as wholly to
obliterate the natural appearance of the stone of which they are
constructed. This sooty covering destroys all harmony of colour, and
leaves only the grandeur of form and proportions.

This picture of Westminster Abbey is an instance of it; the faqade of the
building being strongly and somewhat capriciously darkened by the
atmospheric influence.

[PLATE XXIII. HAGAR IN THE DESERT.]

PLATE XXIII. HAGAR IN THE DESERT.

PLATE XXIII. HAGAR IN THE DESERT.

This Plate is intended to show another important application of the
photographic art. Fac-similes can be made from original sketches of the
old masters, and thus they may be preserved from loss, and multiplied to
any extent.

This sketch of Hagar, by Francesco Mola, has been selected as a specimen.
It is taken from a fac-simile executed at Munich.

The photographic copying process here offers no difficulty, being done of
the natural size, by the method of superposition.

[PLATE XXIV. A FRUIT PIECE.]

PLATE XXIV. A FRUIT PIECE.

PLATE XXIV. A FRUIT PIECE.

The number of copies which can be taken from a single original
photographic picture, appears to be almost unlimited, provided that every
portion of iodine has been removed from the picture before the copies are
made. For if any of it is left, the picture will not bear repeated
copying, but gradually fades away. This arises from the chemical fact,
that solar light and a minute portion of iodine, acting together (though
neither of them separately), are able to decompose the oxide of silver,
and to form a colourless iodide of the metal. But supposing this accident
to have been guarded against, a very great number of copies can be
obtained in succession, so long as great care is taken of the original
picture. But being only on paper, it is exposed to various accidents; and
should it be casually torn or defaced, of course no more copies can be
made. A mischance of this kind having occurred to two plates in our
earliest number after man