nd to the other, about
one half inch. Before covering, these are to be padded with two or
three thicknesses of Canton flannel. The buff should not be too hard,
but padded with flannel, so that by drawing it over the plate, it may
touch across the surface. The only proper material for buffs is
prepared buckskin; and if prepared in a proper manner, this needs
nothing but to be tacked upon the stick. There are several varieties
of wheels employed; the one most generally adopted is Lewis' patent,
which consists of several varieties of wheels. Any operator can make a
suitable wheel on the same plan of a turning lathe.

To Clean Buckskins.--When the operator is compelled to purchase an
unprepared buckskin, the following is a good process for cleaning it:
There is always in the buckskin leather that is purchased, more or less
of an oily matter, which is acquired in its preparation, sometimes even
amounting, to a third of its weight. The following is the mode of
ridding it of this noxious ingredient: Dissolve, in about six or seven
quarts of filtered water, about five ounces of potash; when dissolved,
wash with the solution an ordinary buckskin; when it has been well
stirred in the liquid, the water becomes very soapy, owing to the
combination of the potash with the oily matters contained in the skin.
Throw away this solution and use some fresh water without potash and
rather tepid; change it several times until it remains quite limpid.
Then gently stretch the skin to dry in an airy shaded place. When
thoroughly dried, rub it well between the hands. It thus becomes very
pliant and velvet-like.

Reflectors for Taking Views.--There have been excellent cameras
introduced for taking views, but the time of exposure, which is
increased in proportion to the focal length, is considered an
objection; consequently many adhere to the old plan of using the
speculum, or rather, substitute a mirror. I now have one which I have
used for several years and find it equal to any article of the kind
have ever tried. One is easily made by a tin man, at a trifling
expense. Procure a piece of best plate looking-glass, two and a half
by five inches for a quarter, or four by eight for a half-sized camera;
put a piece of pasteboard of the same size on the back, to protect the
silvering, and stick around the edge in the same manner as in putting
up a picture. Take a sheet of tin for the large size, or a half sheet
for the other; place the g