a few drops of potassa solution may be added, and is known to have
a decided effect upon the plate.

Take a patch of Canton flannel; in order to prevent the moisture
from the hand it should have a thick, firm texture:
with this rub the plate in circles across, then back covering
onehalf of the former row of circles in each crossing until you
have gone over the plate and back to the point of beginning,
occupying at least half a minute in the operation, for a small plate,
and so in proportion for the other sizes.

Care should be observed to keep the patch wet with the alcoholic
solution forming a paste on the surface of the plate;
the motion of the hand should be brisk and free, not hurried,
and the pressure about equal to that of a pound weight.
When the cotton is disposed to adhere to the plate, and slip
from under the finger, spread the fore and middle fingers
a little apart, then pressing down, bring them together
in such a manner as to form a fold in the cloth between them,
by which means you will hold it perfectly secure.

Avoid wetting the fingers, and should they perspire, wipe them often,
as the moisture penetrating the cotton and coming in contact with
the plate, would cause streaks it would be difficult to remove.
I will here remark that many operators use much more cotton flannel than
there is need of. I have found in my experience that a single patch,
about one and half inch square, will be better for cleaning a number
of plates than a new piece for every plate. This is the case for the wet,
and for the dryrubbing two or three pieces will be found to answer.
Thus with four or five cloths a dozen plates may be prepared.