them, as they give the paper a disagreeable greasy appearance. But whatever is applied, still the preparatory process must be carefully attended to. I will only add, that the pupil had better not devote too much time to making pencil drawings, as the brush will produce more effect in much less time. This, however, I will treat of in my next Letter.

I am, &c.

LETTER IV.

MY DEAR SIR;

of

HAVING concluded my last Letter with directions for the use of the pencil, I will now endeavour to make the application of the brush, with a few simple tints to begin with, as easy as possible, as these will not only make the practice more agreeable, but will also accustom the eye the pupil, in some degree, to the effect of colour as he proceeds. The colours necessary for this purpose will be a good piece of Indian-ink, a cake of Indigo, and some liquid bistre, which may be easily made by the student if he should happen to be where wood or peat is used for fuel: the soot of the latter is to be preferred, as it will produce the richest brown when boiled for some time in water, and will become very transparent if allowed

to remain in a wide-mouthed bottle without a cork for a week or two, or until a thick scum covers the surface, which will finally subside and carry down all impurities with it. Still it may be used as soon as it is cool when it is necessary to mix it with Indian-ink, and as a stronger tint will be required occasionally, it may be procured by pouring some of the liquid intó a small saucer, and placing it near a fire till the water evaporates and leaves a solid colour behind, which will readily wash up without any further preparation. The young artist must also provide himself with a few sable brushes, and one or two of the largest size for broad washes, and likewise a board to strain his paper upon, which should be made of deal, and clamped at each end to prevent its warping. This board will be much lighter than one made of mahogany with a frame to confine the paper, which is very apt to slip and become loose. The paper is to be strained by wetting it on the upper side with a flat brush or soft sponge,

and allowing it to remain in this state until the whole is equally damp: it should then be fixed to the board with strong paste. This is to be done by pressing the paper to the board with the edge of a flat ruler, leaving about half an inch to be pasted, the ruler protecting the other portion of the paper. To make this operation successful it will be necessary to keep the paper damp until the pasted part is dry, for should it begin to strain before this takes place, the paper will be torn away from that part next to the paste. This may be prevented by placing a wet cloth in the centre until the edges are quite dry. Glue is much better than paste for the purpose, as the paper may then be allowed to dry without further trouble. Having now described what will be necessary for the present purpose (for the pupil must be given to understand that these instructions do not extend to a coloured drawing), I will proceed with directions for their use, and I would advise him to go at once to nature and select

some familiar subject suited to his first attempt with the brush, and after the scene is carefully, and in this case lightly drawn with a clean outline, the sky will be the first part to wash in, which may be done with success if the board is elevated to about the slope of a writing desk, and the blue (commencing at the top) washed in with a very full brush, the larger the better, the tint being carried from the left to the right in an horizontal direction, continuing the flow of the tint with more water in the brush each time, which will produce the necessary gradation to the horizon. I must add, that success depends upon expedition, for should the first wash begin to dry, the second will not unite with it, but will have a streak across the sky; or if any part is touched upon, when it is in a damp state, it will occasion a star-like spot immediately. This process is intended for a clear sky, which, when the pupil can accomplish, he will soon be able to manage any other. When clouds are to be in