Frederick A. Draper.

The first camera one possesses is generally the subject of considerable perplexity on the part of the owner. Focusing, exposure, plates, development, printing and numerous other questions rise to confuse, and their solution too often means the loss of valuable views that cannot be replaced. A little previous study into the conditions governing the use of a camera is desirable before beginning actual work for the first time.

A few words as to the basic principles. The rays of light that should enter the camera should be reflected from the object we desire to photograph. This requires that the direct rays of the sun should come from the back or side of the camera. By using great care, shielding the lens and other devices, a view may be taken when the lens faces nearly towards the sun; but this should only be done when it is impossible to get the view with the sun in a more favorable position. Never point the camera, as the writer has seen many a beginner do, directly towards the sun, as the only result will be disappointment. Use care in the selection of the view. Unless possessed of a long purse, promiscuous snapping the shutter will entail considerable expense and procure few views worth preserving. Friends are always willing to receive gratis several prints, especially if a good negative be secured. Some cases of this kind you really want, but many others were better dispensed with. Make it a point to do your best with each exposure, and you will soon find your work is good, and done with increasing ease. Study the artistic make-up of the subject, whether it be landscape, group or' interior. A slight change of position or grouping may often greatly improve the result.

If plates are used, select one of the standard brands and stick to it until you know its workings thoroughly. Constantly changing the brand and kind of plate used, leads only to confusion. Make a record, in a book kept for that purpose only, of the time of exposure, kind of day, bright, dull, cloudy, etc., and by comparison learn the cause of the first errors. You will soon be able to prevent their recurrence. Keep the filled plate-holders covered from the direct rays of the sun. A foggy plate is often caused by laying the plate-holder in the bright sun while adjusting the camera. When removing the slide in the plate-holder, cover that portion of camera with a focusing or some other black cloth so the sun will not shine upon it. See that the lens is clean. A piece of chamois skin is the best thing to clean the lens with. Never use silk.

The amount of light admitted to the camera is varied by the diaphragm. On a bright day, a smaller stop, as it is called, may be used, than on a dull,, cloudy day. The smaller the stop, the longer the exposure required and the sharper definition secured.

If possible, have your own dark room and do your own developing. This requires a ruby lamp, and one with both ruby and orange glass should be used. See that the room is absolutely light-proof. Dust your plate-holder and plates with a soft brush when loading. Make your first trials at developing with views that can again be taken if you fail with them. The developing formula? given by the maker of the plates you are using will be satisfactory. Use fresh chemicals, also fresh plates. Buy your supplies of a reputable dealer, even if the cost is a little more than at some bargain-counter sale. Old plates and old chemicals are expensive in the results, even if you have them given to you.

Label your different bottles, pans, etc., and use each one only as directed. A mixture of chemicals in the same tray, even if only traces be present, is extremely likely to ruin a negative. The developer will flow more evenly if the plate has been previously wet with clean water. The developer, when first applied to the plate, should sweep over it in a wave as quickly as possible, and be kept rocking until development is well advanced. The usual faults of the novice are overexposure and under-development. Keep these points in mind during your early work. In your first work, study carefully what you have to do, until you have it clearly in mind.

The many excellent printing papers now available, accompanied with complete directions for working, make unnecessary any instruction regarding the common kinds of prints. As progress is made, the inclinations of the worker will lead to experiments with more complicated processes, and when that time arrives, these remarks will be no longer useful.