The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

108 THE FERROTYPE.
by turning the holder with the right hand, so
that it will fall out. If it is a large plate, the
glass (which was at the back of it in the holder)
is now taken in the left hand, the plate resting
on it. The operator turns to the developing stand,
and taking the bottle containing the developing
solution in the right hand, a portion of its con-
tents is poured over the surface of the plate ; or,
rather, as this is a very nice operation, the solu-
tion is poured on the extreme corner nearest the
right hand, or on the end or side of the ph\te next
the right hand, and by a quick but steady motion
of the left hand the solution is caused to flow over
the whole surface of the plate without stopping,
allowing none, or as little as possible, to run off
the opposite edge of the plate. This operation is
a difficult one at first, but by careful practice the
necessary skill is easily acquired. The plate,
while the developing operation is going on,
should be kept in motion, to cause the solution
to flow backward and forward over the surface;
or when the solution flows reluctantly, the plate
may be taken between both hands and violently
agitated in a horizontal direction, care being
taken to retain all the solution on its surface
until the image is brought out distinctly, and all
the folds of the drapery begin to show. Careful
attention must be given to the general appearance
of the image at this stage, and particularly to the
high lights, contrasting them with the shadows
of the hair, the projections of the face, and the