PROCESSES IN ILLUSTRATIONS 163 



and it is from this impression that the actual printing on the 

 paper is made. The offset process is especially useful in the 

 case of photographic work ; the rubber fits itself into the grain 

 of the original block and takes off every particle of ink, which 

 it deposits on the paper. By it reproductions of the finest half- 

 tone blocks, either in black or three-colour, can be obtained on 

 ordinary paper. It is also used to advantage with lithography 

 in which a small loss of sharpness and brilliancy is not so 

 apparent. At present it can hardly be used for book printing, 

 because it tends to soften the outline of the type-impression, 

 which should be as sharp and clear as possible, but it is possible 

 that this objection may be overcome. 



As regards the prices here quoted, it is important to 

 remember that they are mere approximations, and that it is 

 not unusual, for example, to find that the photographs, 

 drawings, etc., sent in have to be re-made in order to get a 

 good reproduction. In such cases the prices will be much 

 larger. 



