2 ^ 
Mr Lizars on a new Style of Engraving 
which is well known, and in which the impression is taken in the 
same way. The new mode of engraving is done upon a prin- 
ciple exactly the reverse, for instead of the subject being cut 
into the copper, it is the interstice between these lines which is 
removed by diluted acid, (commonly called Aquafortis,) and the 
lines are left as the surface : from which the impression is taken, 
by means of a common type printing-pm'^, instead of a copper- 
plate press. 
This is effected by drawing with turpentine varnish, coloured 
with lamp-black, whatever is required upon the plate, and when 
the varnish is thoroughly dry, the acid is poured upon it, and 
the interstice of course removed by its action upon the uncover- 
ed part of the copper. If the subject is very full of dark shad- 
ing, this operation will be performed with little risk of accident, 
and with the removal of very little of the interstice between the 
lines ; but if the distance betvv^een the lines is great, the risk and 
difficulty is very much increased, and it will be requisite to cut 
away the parts which surround the lines with a graver, in or- 
der to prevent the dabber with the printing-ink from reaching 
the bottom, and thus producing a blurred impression. It is 
obvious, therefore, that the more the plate is covered with work, 
the less risk will there be in the preparation of it with the acid, 
after the subject is drawn ; and the less trouble will there be in 
removing the interstice (if any) from those places where there is 
little shading. 
A great degree of facility will be obtained by etching out the 
first line with the common etching-needle, and afterwards put- 
ting on the cross line with the varnish ; and by this means there 
will be much more variety, regularity, and beauty in the effect, 
than if the whole had been done with the varnish. 
I have found from experience, that the best mode of proceed- 
ing is to lay an etching-ground upon the copper, as in the ordi- 
nary operation of etching ; to remove the first lines, or rather in- 
terstices^ with the needle, and then to put on the cross-lines with 
the varnish. Should this cramp the freedom of the artist in 
some parts, he can easily scrape off the etching-ground, and 
draw those with the varnish. 
Although this discovery must still be considered in its im 
lancy? and very incomplete, yet it is probable that much may 
