repared immediately after the plate has been washed with
water after the application of the hyposulphite solution, and before
the plate has been allowed to dry. When, however, the plate has been
dried and allowed to stand for any time, before gilding, the
hyposulphite wash should be applied as at first, in order to destroy
any chemical coating that may have been formed on exposure of the plate
to the air. For gilding the larger plates, we have a gilding stand so
constructed that the plate can be put on a perfect level. In practice,
I prefer holding the plate with nippers, fastened at one corner. Hold
the plate in the same manner as in removing the coating; pour on the
gilding, newly filtered, until the surface is wholly covered, and with
the blaze of the spirit lamp, at least three inches high, apply it to
the back of the plate, moving it about, that the surface may be heated
with as much uniformity as possible. Continuing this operation, the
surface will generally become covered with small yellow bubbles which
soon disappear, leaving the image clear and distinct.

It is advisable to make use of a lamp having a sufficiently strong
flame to produce the effect in a few minutes. If after a first
heating, it is found that the impression can admit of a greater degree
of intensity, it might be heated anew; but that is seldom necessary,
and often by trying to do too, well, the operator, if he persists in
heating certain parts of the plate, may find the liquid dry up just
above the flame, and inevitably cause a stain*; or else the blacks are
covered with a film, or even the coating of gold may suddenly
exfoliate, when small particles are detached from the plate. The
impression is then entirely spoiled, but the plate may be re-polished.

* This can be remedied, however, if it is immediately washed over with
the same solution that is on the plate, so that the surface shall not
become cool; continue for a short time to apply the lamp under, and
agitate the plate slightly, and it will soon be free from all
imperfections and give a fine clear tone.

It is not unfrequent that the surface assumes a dark, cloudy
appearance. This is generally the best sign that the gilding will
bring out the impression with the greatest degree of distinctness.
Soon, the clouds gradually begin to disappear, and, "like a thing of
life" stands forth the image, clothed with all the brilliancy and
clearness that the combined efforts of nature and a