Slides belonging to different sets may be distinguished by binding strips of different colours.
783. Storing and Carrying Lantern Slides. Lantern slides are best kept in the plate boxes (usually 8 bound slides can be put in a box, in which 12 plates are sold) with the same precau tions as prescribed for negatives (§ 490).
For carrying the slides by hand, several types of boxes arc used. One of the best has no grooves but has a false bottom fitted with springs. The plates are arranged on edge, separated into batches by movable partitions. The lid is either hinged or completely detachable in the latter case it is secured by hinged brass catches. This lid contains two thick bands of rubber which press the slides against the false bottom and thus prevent all movement. The handle is a stout leather strap, completely enveloping the box, and is kept from slipping by metal saddles. Any vacant space inside the box must be packed with corrugated cardboard or balls of crumpled paper. Grooved boxes are to be avoided—they are too cumbersome—and boxes with metal handles should not be chosen, since such handles cut the fingers and are not always strong enough to stand heavy weights. (We have seen boxes
supplied for a hundred slides, i.e. a weight of over 13 lb., the handles of which were fastened with quite short nails, with the heads cut through in imitation of screws!) No attempt must be made to lift a block of slides out of a box when these slides are standing on edge. If the block is pressed very tightly the slides at either end are almost sure to be broken by the excessive pressure. On the other hand, if the pressure is less, the slides are insufficiently held, and slip and fall. First of all, place the box on end so that the slides are flat_ It is then possible to take out small batches without any risk of breakage.
For sending lantern slides by post, the best method is to put them in plate boxes (of lantern plate size) in tight packets. The boxes are secured with wide rubber bands, and are put in a strong wooden box with a screwed lid and thick. packing of corrugated cardboard or felt sur rounding the various