The easiest and most convenient way which the editor has found for storing negatives is to have a cupboard partitioned off into pigeon-holes large enough to hold 25 negatives each. The pigeon-holes should be 3½ inches in width and 6 inches in height, in which can be conveniently stored 25 4x5 or 5x8 negatives. The negatives are first placed in strong manila envelopes which can be bought of any dealer in photographic supplies at from 25c. to 35c. a 100, according to size. These envelopes are marked on the outside—No. ——, Name ——, Notes ——. Place the negative in the envelope, and in the proper places write the name and number of the picture, and under the heading "Notes" write anything about the picture which you wish to remember in regard to the making, printing, etc., and also the date of taking. Copy the numbers and names of the pictures in a blank-book which will be the negative catalogue. Write nothing in the book but the numbers and names of the negatives. All notes should be made on the envelope containing the negative.
On the edge of each pigeon-hole should be marked the number of negatives which it contains, thus: "1 to 25," "26 to 50," "51 to 75," etc. Such a method of storing one's negatives makes the finding of any one an easy matter.
Some amateurs classify their negatives, putting landscapes, interiors, groups, etc., by themselves, but it is really more simple to number and name them in the order in which they are made, and make a supplementary classified list. Have the general list, and then, as one makes a landscape and wishes to have the names of the landscapes, add it to the classified list in this way: Landscapes—View on Hudson, No. 11. Mall, Central Park, No. 14. A Mountain Road, No. 23, or whatever name and number the negatives may be which comprise your landscapes. Place the figure studies by themselves in a classified list, but make the general list as directed. One remembers almost by instinct the number of a negative he has once placed in his collection.
If one has not a convenient cupboard a wooden soap box fitted with pigeon-holes, which can be done by any ingenious boy or girl, answers every purpose. The box should be fastened to the wall, a tape tied to the negative catalogue, and the tape fastened to the side of the box; then the two will never become separated.
Sir Knight Howells Frechette, No. 55 James St., Ottawa, Canada, wishes some member living in Washington to exchange a view of the Capitol for one of the Parliament buildings with him, or, if preferred, will send any view round Ottawa. He also asks if the editor would advise the use of combined bath with solio paper. The combined bath is generally preferred, and if used according to directions the results are very satisfactory.
ILL-TEMPERED BABIES
are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most successful of all infant foods.—[Adv.]