Mounting French Crystals

The glass for mounting, whether flat or convex, should be the same size

as the picture. It should be dipped in water and permitted to drain

off, but do not dry it; pour a little of the compound on the side

against which the photograph is to be placed--the hollow side, if the

glass is convex--let it drain off and lay the picture face down upon

it. With the thumb and finger commence at the centre of the photograph,

smoot ing it down close to the glass, forcing all the air bubbles out

to the edges, thus continuing until the picture is entirely smoothed

out, and at every point in actual contact with the glass. During this

process hold the glass at an angle, so that you can see if there are

any air bubbles or glistening places in it by examining its face

occasionally; and always let a little of the compound get on the back

of the photograph, as it allows the fingers to glide over it more

easily and lessens the chance of tearing it. Now take a second glass

the same size as the first, and having thoroughly cleaned it, fasten it

to the back of the other by small strips of gummed paper. Then place a

piece of card-board of the same size on the back of the two glasses and

fasten the three together also with small strips of gummed paper;

finally securing the whole firmly together by binding it with some

large strips, and your picture is ready to frame. In case you do not

care to frame it, cut out a piece of some dark fancy paper, a quarter

of an inch on each edge larger than the picture, and fasten it, dark

side out, on the back, allowing the quarter of an inch to lap over and

be pasted on the face, after which straighten the edges with a ruler

and sharp knife.