£98 Improvements in the Aquatinta Process. 
be the means of inducing many of our eminent painters to 
hand down to posterity their sketches, which, at present, 
they decline from the irksome trouble attending the repe- 
tition of retracing their performances, and the doubtful 
handling of the etching-needle, which can never give a 
sufficient breadth and scope to their abilities. 
I have, sir, forwarded, 1n an annexed paper, the different 
specimens, for the inspection of the gentlemen forming the 
Society of Arts, &c, &c. 
In making my specimens I have thought it necessary to 
show, if by any accident a part might fail, that it could be 
re-touched a second time, and oftener if wanted; in this 
particular its simplicity stamps its use. 
To elucidate the foregoing proposition, I purposely caused 
a part of the distance to fail in specimen AA; this is re- 
paired you will perceive in specimen B, aud the sharp 
touches wanted to perfect the sketch are added. 
I beg also to state, it is not the style usually termed sofé 
ground etching: that process is always uncertain, cannot 
be repaired, and will only print about two hundred im- 
pressions; whereas the specimens herewith sent will print 
upwards of five hundred with care. 
Should the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, &c. 
deem the subject worthy of their reward, I shall feel proud 
jn communicating its process, and flatter myself the arts 
and artists will feel a peculiar addition and pleasure in its 
utility. Permit me, sir, to subscribe myself, with all 
respect, : 
Your obedient humble servant, 
Jonn HassELL, 
Landscape-Draftsman, 11, Clement's Inn, Strand. 
March 26, 1810. 
To C. Taylor, M.D. &c. &e. &e. 
Process of drawing upon Copper, to imitate Black-lead 
Pencil or Chalk. 
A remarkable good polish must be put on the copper 
with an oil-rubber and crocus-martis well ground in oil; 
after which it must he cleaned off with whiting, and then 
rubbed with another clean rag. 
You are then to pour over your plate the solution to cause 
ground, which is made as follows: 
No. 1.—Three ounces of Burgundy pitch. 
One ditto of frankincense. 
These are to be dissolved in a quart of the best rectified 
spirits 
