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ETCHING. 



ETCHING is a matmer of engraving on copper, 

 in which the lines or strokes, intead of being cut 

 with a tool or graver, are corroded in with aqua 

 fortis. 



It is a much later invention than the art of en- 

 graving by cutting the lines on the copper, and 

 has many advantages over it for some purposes, 

 though it cannot supersede the use of the graver 

 entirely, as there are many things that cannot be 

 etched so well as they can be graved. 



In almost all the engravings on copper that are 

 executed in the stroke manner, etching and graving 

 are combined, the plate being generally begun by 

 etching, and finished with the graver. Landscapes, 

 architecture, and machinery, are the subjects that 

 receive most assistance from the art of etching ; 

 for it is not so applicable to portraits and historical 

 designs. 



We shall first describe the various instruments 

 and materials used in the art. 



Copper-plates may be had ready prepared at the 

 coppersmiths, by those who reside in large towns \ 

 but when this cannot be had, procure a piece of 

 pretty thick sheet-copper from a brazier, rather 

 larger than your drawing, and let him planish it 

 well ; then take a piece of pumice-stone, and with 

 water rub it all one way, till the surface is as 

 smooth and level as it can be made by that means: 

 a piece of charcoal is next used with water, for 

 polishing it still farther, and removing the deep 



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