, which is not so objectionable for very large work. But for
the softest effects, reverse the frame and use it at half an inch from the
paper. In this way we get a soft diffusion of the lines and much greater
general softness. It should never be used nearer than a quarter of an
inch, as the lines then become too evident, and hence fail in the effect
desired. The bolting silk comes in three grades, fine, medium and coarse.
The medium is the best for general work. It should not, however, be used
for sizes under 8 x 10. The interposition of the cloth requires about
one-half additional exposure. Focusing, of course, must be done without
the frame in place. The bolting silk should only be used with paper which
is to be toned to some color other than black, as there is something
incongruous in its use with black tones.

Few branches of photographic work, outside of negative-making, are as
fascinatingly interesting as the making of enlarged prints on bromide
paper from small negatives. Every amateur has negatives worthy of
enlargement in his collection, and the process is so simple as to be
within the capacity of the amateur who is still in his first year in
photography. Its practice will stimulate his interest and help him in all
his other photographic work. Especially will it help him in
picture-making, the merits and defects of composition being a hundred fold
more plainly evident in an enlargement than in the small print from the
hand-camera negative. Moreover, in its essentials, bromide enlarging calls
for no special equipment other than the ordinary hand- or view-camera, and
a dark-room or other convenient work-room from which all "white light" can
be excluded on occasion.

CHAPTER VII

THE REDUCTION AND TONING OF BROMIDE PRINTS

The subsequent manipulations with bromide paper do not differ materially
from those with negatives. The support being paper of course makes some
difference and the fact that while in the negative we aim to get printing
density and printing color only, in the positive we aim to please the eye,
makes another. But generally speaking, it may be said that whatever we can
do with the negative we can do with bromide paper, that is, in so far as
the emulsion itself is concerned.

The first operation to be taken up is the reduction of prints which are
too dark. This can best be effected just after the prints come from the
hypo. A few grains of red prussiate of potash are dissolved in a suitab