Many experiments having been tried with the small instrument figured (p.

199), a reflector for taking portraits from life was determined on, having eight inches diameter, with twelve inches focal distance for parallel rays; this was to admit plates of two inches wide by two and a half long Mr.Wolcott having on hand reflectors of the right diameter, for Newtonian telescopes, of eight feet focal distance, resolved (as it was a matter of experiment) to grind down or increase the curve for the focal distance before named--this required time.

In the mean time, many plans were pursued for making good plates, and the means of finishing, them.

As the completion of the large reflector drew to a close, our mutual friend, Henry Fitz, Jr., returned from England, whither he had been on a visit, and when he heard what we were about, kindly offered his assistance; he being well versed in optics, and having been before engaged with Mr.
Wolcott, in that and other business is offer was gladly accepted--Mr.
Wolcott himself having frequent engagement; to fill as operator in the details of mechanical dentistry.

Thus, by the aid of Mr.Fitz, the reflector was polished, and experiments soon after tried on plates of two by tow and a half inches, with tolerable success.