File the parts which are to receive the plate very smooth; then apply over the surface the muriate of zinc, which is made by dissolving zinc in muriatic acid; now hold this part over a dish containing hot soft solder, and with a swab apply the solder to the part to which it will adhere; brush off all superfluous solder, so as to leave the surface smooth; you will now take No. 2 fair silver plate, of the right size to cover the prepared surface, and lay the plate upon it, and rub down smooth with a cloth moistened with oil; then, with a turned soldering iron, pass slowly over all the surface of the plate, which melts the solder underneath it, causing the plate to adhere as firmly as the solder does to the iron; then polish the surface, and finish with buckskin.