44 PHOTO-MICEOGRAPHY 



if it does, instantly removes all the polish. If, however, one is desirous of mounting 

 a print that has not had applied to it the special mounting when wet, we may use a 

 little strong solution of gum arabic, which will suffice for the purpose and answer 

 fairly well. 



As regards a suitable board upon which to mount Nikko prints, much depends 

 upon taste, but we have usually found that a grey edging suits them better than a 

 white, inasmuch as the Nikko paper nearly always has a slight tint of pink, although 

 it may be procured absolutely white. 



There are several, however, who think the best details that can be obtained from 

 any negative can only be obtained by the use of the old-fashioned so-called " silver 

 print," otherwise known as albumen paper positives. These are easily made but 

 require daylight. The paper can be bought ready sensitised, but if the photographer 

 desires to do this for himself it is easy enough. The best Saxe or liives paper being 

 procured, it is floated on to a solution of recrystallised nitrate of silver, about 60 

 grains to the ounce of distilled water. Having floated on this for about three 

 minutes in hot weather, and about double the time in cold, the paper is carefully 

 withdrawn so as to leave no bubbles on the surface, and dried in a dark place. 

 Sensitising must also be done in subdued light. When dry the paper is placed in 

 contact with the negative in the same way as when using Nikko paper, and exposed 

 to difluse daylight if the negative be a good one full of contrast and not choked in 

 the high lights. If the plate has been over-exposed and is flat, subdued daylight is 

 best, and on the contrary, if over-developed, being choked in all directions, nothing 

 but direct sunlight will get through it. As half of the printing frame back can be 

 lifted without disturbing the other half, so the paper can be examined to see how the 

 print is getting on. It should be over-printed because the toning and fixing baths, 

 into which it has to be placed, always reduce its intensity considerably. 



When sufficiently printed, it is taken into the dark room (one ruby fabric enough) 

 and floated in clean water ; after a few seconds the water will become milky. Throw 

 it away, and continue washing until the milkiness has all but departed. The print is 

 then transferred to the toning bath. Of these there are no end, each photographer 

 having his pet formula, many of which are to be found in the text-books. One that 

 is very good for the purpose in hand is made as follows : 



Trichloride of gold ....... i grain. 



Ohlorinetted lime (chloride of lime) . . . . i grain. 



Chalk 1 teaspoonful. 



Water 8 ounces. 



