170 



Proceedings. 



[No. 7, NEW SEBIES. 



doubtedly be a matter for much regret were the opportunity lost 

 of taking full advantage of these circumstances. 



The existence of a Society such as this for the encouragement 

 of the Photographic art in Madras, is the chief means by which in 

 time these objects may be attained, and it would be a great pity 

 were it allowed to fall to the ground for want of support. The 

 Council therefore take this opportunity of urging the claims of this 

 Society, particularly upon working Photographers. Of the doings 

 of those not resident in Madras scarcely anything is heard, they 

 hope this state of things will not continue, but that every one who 

 uses the Camera will not only become a member of this Society, if 

 not already one, but contribute his mite to establish and maintain 

 the character of Southern India for the encouragement and culti- 

 vation of the Art. 



The arrangement for procuring prints for distribution to the 

 members of 1856-57, the Council regret to observe, was not so 

 successful as they anticipated : they hope that in future this ob- 

 ject of the Society may be more satisfactorily attained. The six 

 negatives placed at their disposal for printing were forwarded to 

 Mr. Sutton who has a good reputation as a Photographic Artist, 

 but the prints received from him in the present instance do not 

 come up to the expectation formed by the Council. They are 

 evidently executed by the development process, -which, although 

 it has the advantage of rapidity and economy, (and, it is said, per- 

 manence) does not appear to suit all subjects so much as the origi- 

 nal method of printing and gives a certain appearance of coarse- 

 ness which is harsh and unpleasant to the eye. The Council hope 

 to obviate this in future, and will use their best endeavour to have 

 the prints for the next distribution executed in a better style, and 

 more worthy the acceptance of members. 



In regard to a room for the meeting of the Society, and where 

 the Library and collection of prints can be kept, a step has been 

 made in the right direction, as a room at the School of Arts has 

 recently been placed at the disposal of the Society by the Superin- 

 tendent of that Institution ; and although there are difficulties in 

 the way of its being made over entirely to the Society with this 

 view, there is every prospect of its being rendered more available 



