The question of varnish is one that is much discussed among artists

The question of varnish is one that is much discussed among artists, and though many different kinds arc manufactured and each has its partisans, yet no entirely satisfactory permanent varnish has yet been introduced.

It is a well known fact that a picture newly painted should not be varnished with a permanent varnish until it has been painted at least a year. A temporary varnish therefore is put on to bringout the colors, which otherwise would have a dull and sunken appearance. The best temporary varnish known is the "Soehnee Frere's French Retouching Varnish," which is imported in small bottles ready for use, costing about 25 cents each.

This most excellent preparation is used by many artists in place of any permanent varnish, as when thickly put on, it will last a year or more and can be renewed quite frequently without injuring the picture.

Another valuable quality of this preparation is that it may be painted over or into without bad results, which with other varnishes is not the case.

The varnish is applied in the following manner:

The picture is laid flat upon the floor or a low table; a little varnish is poured out into a saucer and a large flat bristle brush is used.

As this varnish dries almost immediately it must be carefully put on, as it is not possible to go back and retouch the varnish until the whole is entirely dry.

The canvas must first be made perfectly clean by dusting, and is then wiped all over with a soft clean rag clipped in water and squeezed out. When the water is dry the bristle brush is dipped in the saucer and rapidly passed backward and forward over the canvas in long sweeps, beginning at the upper left hand corner and working downward. Look at the canvas against the light, holding it sidewise from time to time so as to be sure no spot is left uncovered; if so, pass the brush full of varnish imme- diately over the place, but do not attempt to go back and spread what is already there. If in varnishing a picture a sort of lather or froth appears, do not be intimidated, as it will disappear when dry.

Another most alarming appearance is when the whole surface of the picture becomes covered with a bluish opaque mist. This is sometimes the result of varnishing the picture before the water is quite dry.  To one who is unfamiliar with the effects of varnish the picture appears hopelessly damaged. Time, however, is also the cure for this evil, as if the canvas is put in a dry, light place, and not disturbed, the opaque appearance will gradually fade away, though sometimes it may be a day or two before the paint is perfectly clear again.