AN IMPROVISED DARR-ROOM.
As a rule the amateur has to improvise a dark-room by blocking out the light from the windows of an ordinary apart ment. This is effected by making a wooden shutter to fit the frame of the window ; an opening about 24 in. by 18 in., a little above the level of the table or sink, should be left lengthways, to be covered with ruby fabric or orange paper.
entrance, suitable provision being made for ventilation. All the fittings must, of course, be detachable. Fig. 359 represents a part vertical section through the side of the dark-room containing the window, and the fittings are simply a series of shelves for holding bottles, scales, racks, etc., the shelves being supported by bearers screwed to the sides. The shelf under the window has a box let in, for the reception of a small porcelain sink, 18 in. by 12 in., a pipe leading down to a waste-pail. The shelf above the window supports a small tank holding about 8 gal. and fitted with a pipe and tap.
The other window (if there is a second one) may be treated in a like manlier, except that there should be no opening in the shutter. If possible, have two frames run
ning in grooves and covering the opening in the shutter, the first carrying ruby fabric and the second orange paper. Other methods of attaining the same end will suggest themselves. When using slow plates, or when the light is dull, the orange may be used alone. With rapid plates use both, and always the ruby fabric for isochromatie plates. Two cans or buckets under the table must be provided, unless the water is laid on. The bottles of solu Lion, dishes, etc., should be on a shelf within easy reach, and the operating table should be kept as clear as possible. The door of the room should have a fastening inside, and a thick curtain should be hung over it. A fairly large cellar will often make a good dark-room, provided that proper means are adopted for ventilation.