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say, “ You have slightly moved; I think I can improve it by another exposure.” And we try. conscientiously, all in our power, to get what we can from our plates. A skilful amateur, present during my development, was astonished that I should devote so much time. But patience is a virtue of our race.—From Photographic Mosaics, as reprinted in Anthony's Pulletin. Oorrespondente. LENSES FOR SMALL PICTURES FOR SUB SEQUENT ENLARGEMENT. Dear Sir,—I regret to find that I did not make my meaning quite clear. My hobby is the perhaps Utopian idea of ultimately making such a “ pocket set ” as can be carried in an ordinary coat pocket when on ordinary busi ness, with a dozen plates in six double slides, and at the same time be sufficiently rapid for use on the most in stantaneous subjects, and yet define well, also evenly illuminate well enough to stand enlarging up to at least 15 by 12 inches. I should like for this purpose the wide- angle single, on account of its even illumination, which, strange to say, has been my greatest stumbling block when trying enlargements of 15 diameters; but it has not been rapid enough for me. Next, I would use the wide angle rectilinear or symmetrical; but here again 1 have not found sufficient speed, and my present “ rig ” is Dallmeyer’s patent stereographic, stopped down to about F 12 or F 14 ; thus practically using a length of focus of 5 inches for a plate of 2} by 2, which in my case gives a picture of 24 by 2. But, sir, this is very cumbersome, and none but a picture- or process-mad enthusiast will make it an in separable part of himself. Hence I suggest that ventila tion in your columns may possibly be of use to many more than myself. In my case I use the apparatus from a railway carriage window, or in almost any other way; and I prefer for focussing a simple telescope fixed on the camera, as described by me in the Year-Book for 1884. In fact, I often use it held in the hand up to the eye ; but —don’t laugh at me, please—although I have worked at it for many years, being probably one of the earliest of the gelatino heretics, I have very few pictures (!) on the many thousands of plates I have exposed that I would care to expose to the eye or the tender criticisms of any artistic friend (if I had one). But, sir, nil desperandum has done much for both the “ brass and glass ” and the “ artistic ” men amongst us, and I don’t hesitate to trust myself to our brethren, from whom I hope to get some valuable suggestions.—Thanking Mr. Wheeler for his contribution, I am, yours truly, Richard Parr. PHOTOGRAPHERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. Dear Sin,—Those who have watched the career of the Photographers’ Benevolent Association from its inception till the present, cannot do otherwise than sympathise with Mr. W. S. Bird, and will, I trust, assist him in his endeavours to build up an institution thoroughly worthy of the present generation of photographers. That only meagre support has so far been afforded to Mr. Bird and his colleagues, is a noticeable and a published fact, notwithstanding that for more than a dozen years some of these gentlemen have exercised their energies towards benefitting their fellow man. If the fraternity have been viewing their project in the light of an experiment, then Mr. Bird and those who assist him are justified in asking photographers of every grade the simple question : " Will you support us, or not ? ” If the answer is given in the affirmative, then success is certain ; on the other hand, if it be shown that the present mode of dealing with the funds would be distasteful, were the society’s operations conducted on a wider basis, then, as Mr. Bird truly pointed out, the matter rests entirely with those concerned. Photography is by no means of less importance than many other scientific pursuits, and I am not at all sure that skilled labour meets with higher remuneration than it does in many of the arts requiring both judgment and skill equal to that expected from photographers. The standard of technical excellence is being continually raised, and the clever photographer of twenty years ago— or even ten—may not possess the ability befitting a similar position of to-day. Under these circumstances it behoves us to do our duty towards our older brethren who may have fallen by the way, since any little kindness shown in this respect is but a just recognition of talent bequeathed to ourselves. Regarding Mr. Lambert’s proposition to “ make the Society self-supporting,” I desire to remark that such a point has been achieved, according to the Secretary’s statement, the ordinary subscriptions being equal to the outgoings. To transform the existing Society—limited though it may be—into a sort of Slate Club, would not worthily carry out the wishes of those who have sustained the fund for so long ; neither could such an arrangement perform the benevolent intentions of the entire profession in a manner satisfactory alike to donor and contributor.—Yours faithfully, W. M. Ashman. Dear Sir,—I beg to offer a few suggestions as to extending the above Society : — 1. That the Association be formed into a benefit society, whereby, when sickness overtakes a member, he may reap some temporary aid from its funds. 2. A meeting of photographers to be called in all towns to ascertain the opinions of employers and their assistants, with names of those guaranteed to join, providing it becomes a benefit society. 3. After this is done, and the whole of the reports sent to its present officers, I think they would be able to start a thorough benevolent society—one that would aid its members in sickness and distress—on a firmer basis and with a wider scope than the present one. In each town of importance a committee could be formed to carry out the arrangements. The whole of the contributions could be forwarded to London as usual, and could almost be worked on the same lines as the “ Hearts of Oak ” Society. I think, also, that if an appeal were sent to a leading photographer or two in each town, they would gladly give their assistance in the matter.—Yours respectfully, An Operator. HONEST AND DISHONEST ADVERTISEMENTS. Sir,—The heading of my letter doubtless sounds strange in the virtuous ears of your highly respectable journal; perhaps you will be good enough to allow me space to briefly explain the choice of such a subject for communi cation. Example of a tolerably honest advertisement:— “Wanted, first-class photographs, portraits, cartes and cabinets, for show case. Address, &c.” Here, the advertiser’s meaning is clear and straight forward. For a certain article I will pay cash. It is not the vendor’s business to trouble himself about the use the purchaser makes of goods sold to him, therefore I contend that so far the above advertiser bears the stamp of an honest man. Example of the (frequently) dishonest advertisement:— “ Wanted, first-class operator and retoucher; none but thoroughly experienced men need apply. Address (by letter) with specimens, carte of self, and references, to A. B. C., Photographic News Office, Castle Street, Holborn." I do not by this infer that all advertisers who use your
