July, 1908 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



273 



not sit squarely on the table place it again upon the block, 

 and tap with the mallet any irregularities until it lies perfectly 

 flat upon the table. The tray is now ready for etching. 



Cover the surface with a coat of asphaltum varnish by 

 means of a paint brush, spreading it evenly on both sides 

 of the design. Allow this to harden for twelve hours. The 

 design will be visible through the varnish and must then be 

 scratched with an engraver's pen until it is all exposed. Mix 

 the following solution for eating the brass : Three parts 

 of clear water, one part of nitric acid and one part of sul- 



phuric acid. This must be placed in a large earthen jar, 

 which should be kept covered, as the fumes are very un- 

 pleasant. Immerse the metal in the acid, which will gradu- 

 ally eat through the exposed parts. It can be fished out 

 of the acid for examination occasionally with a stick, and 

 can remain in it until the depth of depression suits the crafts- 

 worker. The tray will not need immersing nearly so long as 

 the candle shades, which are eaten entirely through the metal. 

 The sconce is made of quite heavy brass, and it will be 

 noticed in the illustration how deep the lines are cut. The 



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Flattening the Bottom of a Card-tray 

 on the Wooden Block 



Shaping the Sides on the 

 Wooden Block 



