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PHOTOGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE.

_Glass Chambers for Photography._--I am desirous to construct a small glass
chamber for taking portraits in, and shall be much obliged if you can
assist me by giving me instructions how it should be constructed, or by
directing me where I shall find clear and sufficient directions, as to
dimensions, materials, and arrangements. Is it essential that it should be
all of violet-coloured glass, ground at one side, as that would add a good
deal to the expense? or will white glass, with thin blue gauze curtains or
blinds, answer?

Probably a full answer to this inquiry, accompanied with such woodcut
illustrations as would be necessary to render the description complete, and
such as an artificer could work by, would confer a boon on many amateur
photographers, as well as your obliged servant,

C. E. F.

[In the construction of a photographic house, we beg to inform our
correspondent that it is by no means needful to use entirely
violet-coloured glass, but the roof thereof exposed to the rays of the
sun should be so protected; for although the light is much subdued, and
the glare so painful to the eyes of the sitter is taken away, yet but
few of the actinic rays are obstructed. It has been proposed to coat
the interior with smalt mixed with starch, and afterwards varnished;
but this does not appear to have answered. Calico, both white and
coloured, has also been used, but it is certainly not so effectual or
pleasant. Upon the whole, we think that the main things to attend to
are, firmness in its construction, so as to avoid vibration; ample
size, so as to allow not only of room for the operator, but also for
the arrangements of background, &c., and the sides to open so as to
allow a free circulation of air; blinds to be _applied at such spots
only_ as shall be found requisite. Adjoining, or in one corner, a small
closet should be provided, admitting only yellow light, which may be
effectually accomplished by means of yellow calico. A free supply of
water is indispensable, which may be conveyed both to and from by means
of the gutta percha tubing now in such general use. We apprehend,
however, that the old proverb, "You must cut your coat according to
your cloth," is most especially applicable to our querist, for not only
must the house be constructed according to t