To give to the work the best effect, it will be necessary to be provided with good inks, and, it being connected with the subject, some receipts for their preparation are subjoined.
RED INK.
Mix together a quarter of a pound of Brazil dust, a quarter of an ounce of cochineal, a small piece of lump-sugar, and two quarts of vinegar: let these steep ten hours, and afterwards boil them on a slow fire till of a good red colour. When settled, strain the ink through a piece of fine cotton, and bottle it for use.
ANOTHER.
Boil in a quart of soft water a quarter of a pound of Brazil dust; when boiled, put in one ounce of ground alum, one ounce of white stone crystal, and boil for three minutes, and strain.
BLUE INK.
A good blue ink may be obtained by diffusing Prussian blue or indigo through strong gum-water. The common water-colour cakes, diffused also in gum-water, will produce a tolerably good blue for common purposes; but Dyer's blue, diluted with water is preferable to either.
BLACK.
Half a pound of nutgalls, a quarter of a pound of sulphate of zinc, (white vitriol,) two ounces of gum-arabic, and a handful of salt. Boil the nutgalls half an hour in three quarts of soft water, then put the whole together, and let stand for use.