Charles Wilson Peale prepared canvas in the following manner. Isinglass (fish-glue) pounded on a flat iron into small pieces. Let it stand all night in water. In the morning put it on the fire to boil; there should be as much isinglass to the water as will form a jelly, after it has boiled and been allowed to cool. The canvas must be wet and pumiced to render the surface even. The jelly should be laid on with a large spatula, (Mr. Peale had one made of wood for the purpose.) After the jelly has dried on the canvas, cover the surface with a coat of the required color; and when the coat is 'nearly' dry, flatten the surface with the spatula. In this process no brush is necessary.,