An important requisite after the pencil lines have been put in is ink, with which to line the drawing. This should be of the best that can be procured. The pen is filled by dropping the ink between the blades, or nibs, while held in a nearly vertical position, as shown in [fig. 196].
Liquid India ink can be procured in bottles with glass tube feeders, which are very good, and keep the hands and fingers free of the ink. [Fig. 197] is a sectional view of such a bottle and “filler,” or feeder. This generally answers all requirements, but the dry ink of good quality, in sticks or bars, cannot be surpassed, although it requires skill for its preparation. [Fig. 198] represents a sloping dish or “tile” for mixing, which should be done with little pressure, in clean, filtered or distilled water, care being taken to keep the liquid free of dust, which obstructs the free flow of the ink in the pens.
Fig. 198.
The bars of India ink are shown, as they are imported, in [figs. 199 to 202].
Pure India or China ink is only made in those countries, because the special wood from which it is prepared is found only in those regions. So-called India inks, made of lampblack and animal glue, are only imitations; therefore India ink should be purchased from a reliable importing house—shape is little guarantee of quality.
Fig. 199.—Fig. 200.—Fig. 201.—Fig. 202.
Fig. 203.