— 331 — accomplished by nearly a mechanical process, in contra- distinction to that demanded by an etched plate, which requires in its manipulation an intelligent man endowed with a high sense of the artistic, it not sufficing to cause the ink to penetrate ail the crevices of the métal merely, but to know how to give the reproduction the value of the model executed under the eyes of the etcher, and to spread the ink with the finger and thurnb as a painter works with his brush. Among the rare printers of etchings who can be placed in this category, we may cite with pride Mr. E. Delarue, , primer of the plates of Messrs. Waltner, Legros, etc., and spécial primer to Mr. Rajon, who will not allow any one else to print for him. Having served his apprenticeship in Paris, Mr. Delarue first etablished himself there, and more latterly in London. His repute as a primer having preceeded him, Artists and Publishers quickly took advantage of his skill, and ex- pressed in different ways, but chiefly by constantly em- ploying him, their opinion of his trustworthiness and abi- lity. Mr. Delarue daims to hâve discovered a process which enables him to restore plates damagcd by the action of time, accident, or maladroit printers, without retouching them, which will be good news for some of our amateurs. The support Mr. Delarue has received both from Artists and Publishers has at the présent time placed him at the head of an establishment of some importance, a position we can cordially attest he has contributed to considerably by his willingness and generally obliging conduct. Mr. Delarue is one of the printers of the Printsellers Association, a body which compels its members to sub scribe to the most stringent rules for the vérification of proofs and protection of the public. mm
