MOUNTING PRINTS IN OPTICAL CONTACT WITH CLASS.
This is a method of mounting prints which gives a particularly pleasing effect. A piece of glass free from all air-bubbles or other blemishes is selected. A porcelain dish which will hold the plate is taken. A solution of gelatine is made up in the following manner : Over 300 grains of hard gelatine is poured a half pint of cold water. When the gelatine becomes soft the cold water is poured off and hot is added till the total amount is ten ounces. If the heat is not sufficient to entirely melt the gelatine, the vessel containing it is placed in a basin of hot water or near the fire. The temperature of the solution should be about 120° Fahr. The dish and glass plate are warmed by pouring hot water into the former. This water is poured off, and the gelatine solution is poured over the plate. There must be enough solution to cover it to a depth of at least a quarter of an inch. The quantity which we mention is merely
taken so as to give the proportion of gelatine to water. The print which is to be mounted on the glass is soaked in warm water till it is quite soft, when it is placed face downwards into the gelatine solution. It is brought into contact with the plate. The plate, with print on it, is now removed from the solution, and a squeegee is applied to the back of the print to press out the super fluous solution. A squeegee is a strip of pliable india rubber mounted on a piece of wood. For small prints it may he dispensed with, the gelatine solution being pressed out with the ball of the thumb.
Prints mounted on glass show a beautiful depth and transparency of shadow. They may be framed in oak frames, the glass taking the place of the glass of the frame. A second glass may on no account he placed in front of the one supporting the print.