akers, as is well known, often affix their name to one half the
sheet; this moiety should also be placed aside, as the letters must
frequently come out with annoying distinctness. Well sized paper is by
no means objectionable, indeed, is rather to be preferred, since the
size tends to exalt the sensitive powers of the silver. The principal
thing to be avoided, is the absorption of the sensitive solution into
the pores; and it must be evident that this desideratum cannot be
obtained by unsized paper. Taking all things into consideration, the
paper known as satin post would appear to be preferable, although the
precautions already recommended should be taken in its selection.

Brushes.--The necessary solutions are to be laid upon the paper by
brushes. Some persons pass the paper over the surface of the
solutions, thus licking up, as it were, a portion of the fluid; but
this method is apt to give an uneven surface; it also rapidly spoils
the solutions. At all events, the brush is the most ready and the most
effectual means.

Distilled Water.--All the water used, both for mixing the solutions,
washing the paper, or cleaning the brushes, must be distilled, to
obtain good results, for reasons before specified.

Blotting Paper.--In many instances, the prepared paper requires to be
lightly dried with bibulous paper. The best description is the white
sort. In each stage of the preparation distinct portions of bibulous
paper must be used. If these be kept seperate and marked, they can be
again employed for the same stage; but it would not do, for example, to
dry the finished picture in the same folds in which the sensitive paper
had been pressed. A very convenient method is to have two or three
quarto size books of bibulous paper, one for each seperate process.

Nitrate of Silver.--In the practice of the photographic art, much
depends on the nitrate of silver. Care should be taken to procure the
best; the crystalized salt is most suitable for the purpose. While in
the form of crystal it is not injured by exposure to light, but the
bottles containing the solutions of this salt should at all times be
kept wrapped in dark paper, and excluded from daylight.

II. DIFFERENT METHODS OF PREPARING THE PAPER.--Preparation of the
Paper.--Dip the paper to be prepared into a weak solution of common
salt. The solution should not be saturated, but six or eight times
diluted with water. When perfectly moistened, wipe it dry with