IO6 THE A B C OF PHOTO - MICROGRAPHY 



be transferred to a tray containing a solution 

 of water and formaldehyde (in the propor- 

 tions of one drachm of the latter to four 

 ounces of the former), in which they are to 

 remain until needed. A tray of sufficient 

 dimensions to contain one of the plates (say 

 8 x 10, though IQX 12 is better) is then to be 

 filled with water and placed conveniently near 

 the other. Then, holding the plate under 

 the tap, with water running gently over its 

 surface, wash the latter with a tuft of fine 

 absorbent cotton, taking great care not to 

 scratch it, and transfer the plate to tray (pol- 

 ished side upward), making sure it is plenti- 

 fully covered by the water and that no air- 

 bells have formed on its surface. It should 

 have been stated that it will be well to place 

 the prints in the formaldehyde bath, face 

 upward, turning them over in a few minutes, 

 at the same time carefully noting whether 

 any air-bells have formed upon them; if so, 

 they must be removed and the prints turned 

 over, face down. All being now ready, and 

 supposing our prints to be 4 x 5 inches in size, 

 I take by the corners, one in each hand, and, 

 raising them from the bath by a sliding mo- 

 tion, transfer them in the same manner to the 

 other tray, quite certain that they have carried 



