Intaglio Engraving, Past and Present. By Edward Renton. (G. Bell
and Sons.)—This little book is the work of an expert, by which is meant not a connoisseur but one practically acquainted with the art, and this by inheritance as well as personal experi- ence. Mr. Renton says that his grandfather, father, and two uncles were "experienced Intaglio engravers," and that he has himself followed it. "Much," he says, "may be handed down by tradition, which cannot be found on record." The greater part of the volume is given to the "past," but the "present" is not forgotten. There is a highly interesting description of how to engrave a diamond. To cut a diamond is comparatively easy because the stone is small and the machinery large, but to en- grave is exceedingly difficult. A stone weighing 21 carats was engraved with a loss in weight of .71,T of a carat. But 31 carats of diamond-dust were expended in the process.
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