The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

THE COLLODION PROCESS. 105
firm and dry enough (by the evaporation of ether
from the surface,) to bear the touch of the finger,
without flowing over the place touched, it is
ready to be -immersed in the silver bath, where
it is allowed to remain about two minutes, or
until the surface has become coated with iodide
of silver. When it is withdrawn it presents a
smooth yellowish white appearance. Should there
appear on the surface oily lines in the direction
of the dip, the surface is not sufficiently coated
and should again be placed in the bath ; and if
necessary to hasten the action of the bath, the
plate may ])e moved about a few seconds, when it
will be found to have become smoothly and evenly
coated. It may now be taken from the dipper
and placed in the plate-holder or shield, after
it has been held over the bath long enough to
allow the surplus solution to run ^off. The plate-
holder is now to be taken to the camera stand
and placed in its appropriate rest, until the pose
of the sitter can be made and the proper illumina-
tion secured. For directions as to the illumina-
tion position, etc., etc., I would direct the reader
to the chapter under that head on page 171.
It is proper, prior to seating the subject, to
ask if there is any favorite position or style which
would be preferred. If not, it devolves on the
artist to decide as to the proper size of the head,
the portion of the figure to be taken, the best
view of the face, the best illumination to bring
out good points and to hide defects, and to devise