METHODS OF PREPARING THE BATH.
There are two methods of prepaiing the bath. In one, it is mixed with cold water and ripened for twenty-four hours or so ; and in the other hot water is used for mixing, and the bath used when cold. Both these methods lead to the same result, and ensure the formation of the aurous salt. The prints must all be put together into the bath, or the tone will vary ; the majority of the gold being used up on those first put in. In toning the prints, it is essential that they should be handled as little as possible. This is especially the case where the printer does any other work with chemicals. For handling the prints a vulcanite clip, as shown in Fig. 345, is a convenience. It is tipped with cork, and holds the print very lightly. Some printers will gather the prints all together on the left hand, and peel them off one by one, plunging them face clown in the toning bath. This
method is employed at one of the finest establishments in the trade, which is noted for the beautiful tones of its pro ductions. Many printers, however, at tempting the same method, have only suc ceeded in producing blotchy, uneven tones with a fine crop of finger marks. This fact is mentioned to show that the actual system is very much a personal matter. It may be safely said, however, that the less handling the prints have, the cleaner and purer the chemicals and dishes employed, and the more accurately the bath is prepared, both as regards strength and temperature, the better are the chances of success. The fact that some expert workers are able to do things which seem to contradict all elementary rules is of no importance.