Smith, Thomas [Editor]: The Art Of Drawing In Its Various Branches: Exemplified In A Course Of Twenty-Eight progressive Lessons, Calculated To Afford Those Who Are Unacquainted With The Art, The Means Of Acquiring A Competent Knowledge Without The Aid Of A Master ; Being The Only Work Of The Kind In Which The Principles Of Effect Are Explained In A Clear, Methodical, And At The Same Time Familiar Style. Illustrated With Coloured Designs And Numerous Wood Engravings (London, 1827)

20

MATERIALS.

into an instrument called a portcrayon, which facilitates
the handling of it, and which is made of either brass or
steel; the latter ought to be preferred, as the brass is
apt to give a very unpleasant smell to the hand.

The following is the representation of a portcrayon
with a piece of chalk in one end, which is prevented
falling out by means of one of the rings slipped down
towards the end over the two parts into which each end
of the instrument is divided, and which are thus squeezed
together in order to hold whatever is between them
tight and firm.

The stump is composed of a piece of soft glove lea-
ther rolled up tight, and then cut to a point; its use is
to soften the shades laid on with the chalk. This utensil
may either be bought at the shop, or made by the stu-
dent, which is to be done by pasting one side of a piece
of common glove leather about four or five inches broad
by twelve long, and then rolling it up tight; after which
it ought to be covered with a piece of paper. In order
to prevent its unrolling itself, a piece of string may be
tied round it till dry, when it can be cut to a point. The
following is a representation of a stump cut ready for
use.

Indian rubber is a substance too well known to need
any description; the thick is much better than the thin.