uffs must be kept perfectly dry.

The second buff should always be in the best order, and if this is the
case, but little polish after the first need be used. Much depends
upon the last finish of the surface of the plate, and as a fine
impression is desired in the same ratio, the operator must exercise
care and skill in this operation. Some buff the smaller plates on the
hands, by resting them on the fingers in such a manner that the buff
cannot touch them; some by holding the edges with thumb and little
finger, with the remaining fingers under, or on the back; and others
buff on the holder. When this last method is adopted, it requires the
greatest caution to prevent the dust from getting on the buff. The
holder should be wiped clean.

The plate frequently slips off or around, and the buff comes in contact
with the bed of the holder. When, however, the operator is so
unfortunate as to meet with this mishap, the utmost care must be
observed in thoroughly cleaning the buff cover before further buffing.
In this last buffing it may be continued as before, except without the
application of polish powder to the last buff. Examine the surface
occasionally, and buff more lightly towards the close of the operation,
using at last the mere weight of the buff. This last buffing should
occupy as long a time as the first.

The point to be aimed at is, the production of a surface of such
exquisite polish as to be itself invisible, like the surface of a
mirror. The secret of producing pictures discernible in any light,
lies in this: the more dark, deep and mirror-like the surface of the
plate, the more nearly do we approach to perfection.

In all cases, very light and long continued buffing is productive of
the greater success, since by that means a more perfect polish can be
obtained.

The question is often asked, why is it that the plates receive the
coating so unevenly? I will answer by saying that it may arise from
two causes: the first and most general cause is that those parts of the
plate's surface which will receive the heaviest coating have been more
thoroughly polished, and the consequence is that it is more sensitive
to the chemical operation; second, and might perhaps be considered a
part of the first, the heat of the plate may not be equal in all its
parts; this may arise from the heat caused by the friction in buffing.
It is a well known fact, with which every observing practitioner is
familiar, that a sil