238 
solution of formalin for two or three minutes before develop¬ 
ing is perhaps the best method of hardening the films. 
Metol (Hauff) with plenty of bromide is probably the best 
developer for the tropics. Sea water may be used for 
preliminary washing, but it must be followed by a good soak 
in fresh water. 
It is impossible in a short compass to give details con¬ 
cerning the class of photographs to take and the method of 
procedure ; a few hints must suffice. 
A few views of characteristic scenery are sufficient, merely 
pretty bits need not be taken nor views that do not teach 
anything. Every photograph should be taken for a definite 
purpose, and it is generally possible to secure views that 
illustrate several points. With a little care one can usually 
so place the camera or arrange the foreground or people as 
to make an artistic picture ; for most of such it is best to 
wait until the effect of morning, mid-day, or evening light 
has been observed so as to get shadows that compose well 
and do not mask any detail of structure or decoration. As a 
general rule early morning is the best time for photographing- 
in the tropics, or failing this the evening, but some mid-day 
photographs should be taken to give the characteristic effect 
of a vertical sun. The light in the tropics is not generally 
more intense than in England during the summer months. 
Indeed fuller exposures must often be given to neutralise 
glaring contrasts of light and shade. In very dry climates 
the light is not so actinic as it seems while the presence of 
large quantities of yellowish sand and the absence of light 
clouds often make a comparatively long exposure necessary. 
Near the sea the converse is often true. 
In the case of deserted buildings or shrines a certain 
amount of clearing is necessary not only of undergrowth, but 
even of boughs that cast perplexing shadows, and sometimes 
it is necessary to u dodge ” the object itself if it is stained or 
covered with moss or lichen, as these may give an appearance 
of false contours. A very thin distemper of water and lime, 
or mud, brushed over an object will enable all the details to 
be readily photographed, and at the same time the object 
