681. To make Transparent Paper for Drawing.—Tracing paper is readily made by taking a sheet of very thin silk, or other paper, and rubbing it over gently with some soft substance, filled with a mixture of equal parts of drying oil, and oil of turpentine, which, being suspended and dried, will be fit for use in a few days; or it may be had at any of the shops. Lay this transparent material on the print or drawing to be transferred, and, with a sharp black lead pencil, trace the outlines exactly as they appear through the paper. If more permanent or stronger lines are wished, ink mixed with ox-gall will be necessary to make it adhere to the oiled surface.
682. Transparent Paper.—Wet some fine paper with a feather on both sides with a thin layer of rosin, dissolved in spirits of wine. It will then serve to put over anything you wish to take off.
683. Method of using Tracing Paper.—Take a piece of the size required, and rub it equally over, on one side, with black lead, reduced to a powder, till the surface will not readily soil a finger; then lay a piece of white paper with the leaded side of this paper next to it, under the print, and securing them firmly together with pins at the corners, proceed to take the outlines with a blunt point, and some degree of pressure, which will transfer the lead to the clean paper precisely in the direction the point passed over the print; this may be corrected with the black lead pencil, and cleansed of any soil by the crumbs of stale bread.
684. Method of setting Pencil Drawings.—A solution of alum water, in which the drawing is to be dipped (not washed on with a brush, as it would smear) will answer the purpose extremely well.