The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

DEVELOPER AND DEVELOPMENT. 89
moved and placed in the shield or plate-holder.
This operation must be done in a dark chamber,
or in one the light of which is of non-actinio
character; for so sensitive is the plate on being
removed from the bath, that the smallest ray of
white or actinic light falling upon it, leaves its
mark. Tne plate when removed from the bath
is found to be changed in appearance; the glossy
black surface no longer shows through the trans-
parent collodion film, but, instead, a beautiful
creamy opacity hides the surface from view. The
plate-holder is now taken to the camera and ex-
posed to the action of light reflected from some
object animate or inanimate; after which it is
again removed to the dark chamber. If now it
be subjected to the most careful examination, no
visible change can be noted. It has the same
rich yellowish white color, and is as opaque as
before. A very important change has, however,
taken place in the character, if not in the appear-
ance, of the surface, which change can only be
made apparent to the eye, and the chemical action
of light on the sensitized film can only be made
known through the action of the developing so-
lution in the process of development.
The plate may now be removed from the
holder, and being held by the left hand between
the thumb and fore-finger, the other fingers acting
as a brace to support it and keep it steady, a so-
lution is poured gently but quickly upon the end
and corner nearest the hand, and caused to flow