he procured a fresh supply of hyposulphite of soda and
chloride of gold, but after applying them the result was no better. He
then, by my advice, thoroughly cleaned his wash dishes, bottles and
water pail, made fresh solutions and had no further trouble, becoming
satisfied that the plates suffered an undue share of censure.

SIXTH PROCESS.--Gilding the Picture.--This is an improvement the honor
of which is due to M. Figeau, and may take place either before the
drying process, or at any subsequent period; but it improves the
picture so materially that it should never be neglected. The articles
necessary for gilding are--

A Pair of Plyers; or a Gilding Stand (see fig. 19) and Chloride of
Gold; or Hyposulphite of Gold.

The latter is imported by Mr. E. Anthony, 205 Broadway, New York, and
is decidedly the best article for the purpose. One bottle simply
dissolved in a quart of water will make a very strong solution, and
gives a richness to the picture impossible to be obtained from the
chloride of gold. The process is precisely similar to that described
below for chloride of gold, taking care to cease the moment the bubbles
are well defined over the surface of the plate. Many Daguerreotypists,
after a superficial trial, discard the hyposulphite of gold as
inferior; but I have no hesitation in asserting that the fault lies
with themselves; for in every case within my knowledge, where its use
has been persisted in until the correct method has been ascertained and
the nature of the gilding has become familiar, it is always preferred.
In illustration of this fact I will relate an anecdote:

A gentleman to whom it had been recommended, purchased a bottle, and
after making one or two trials of it, wrote to his correspondent--"Send
me two bottles of chloride of gold, for I want no more of the
hyposulphite; it is good for nothing." A few weeks after he sent for
three bottles of the condemned article, confessing that he had found
fault unnecessarily; for, that since he had become familiar to its use,
he must acknowledge its superiority, and would use no other gilding.

The Solution of Chloride of Gold is prepared by dissolving in a pint of
distilled water, fifteen grains of chrystalized chloride of gold. This
solution will be of a yellow tint. In another pint of distilled water
dissolve fifty-five grains of hyposulphite of soda; pour gradually, in
very small quantities, the gold into the hyposulphite of soda, stirring