When the cotton is disposed to adhere to the plate, and slip from under the finger, spread the fore and middle fingers a little apart, then pressing down, bring them together in such a manner as to form a fold in the cloth between them, by which means you will hold it perfectly secure.
Avoid wetting the fingers, and should they perspire, wipe them often, as the moisture penetrating the cotton and coming in contact with the plate, would cause streaks it would be difficult to remove.

I will here remark that many operators use much more cotton flannel than there is need of.

I have found in my experience that a single patch, about one and half inch square, will be better for cleaning a number of plates than a new piece for every plate.

This is the case for the wet, and for the dryrubbing two or three pieces will be found to answer.
Thus with four or five cloths a dozen plates may be prepared.
Some operators use prepared cotton, and think it more convenient than the flannel.

This may be had prepared free from seeds and in a very perfect state, if wished.
In going over the plate, great care should be observed, in touching its surface as equally as possible.