The writer's close attention has frequently been directed to a lack of definition in certain half-tone reproductions of photographs appearing in The Condor, as well as in many other well-known and widely-distributed scientific publications, while the same volumes often contained beautiful examples of this universally used process of engraving. In calling attention to this rather common variation in quality of print, it is realized that the defects were probably as well known to the editors, and to the authors of the papers themselves, as they were to the present writer. However, he may be permitted to suggest methods which, if adopted, would do much to relieve this condition. Granting the undisputed fact that a loss of some clearness may usually be expected in a half-tone print, a successful cut depends upon a good photograph, or one well retouched, and on suitable paper and careful press work. The failure of many good half-tone cuts to meet requirements is often due to these factors alone; but more often it may be charged to the original photographs which lack the qualities needed to reproduce well
