It is sometimes necessary to print pamphlets and other works of a
temporary nature in the course of a few hours. When a work of this kind
is put in hand, the foreman selects the requisite number of swift and
skilful compositors, whose first concern must be to appoint one from
among them to make up the matter, and to do every thing which would
interfere with the regular business of distributing, composing, and
correcting. While they are distributing letter, the _clicker_, or person
appointed to manage the work, procures the copy, with all necessary
information respecting it, and provides leads, rules, and every other
necessary sort. He then draws out the following table:—
+--------------------+----------------+----------------+-------------+
| COMPOSITORS’ NAMES.| FOLIOS OF COPY.| LINES COMPOSED.| MEMORANDUMS.|
+--------------------+----------------+----------------+-------------+
| Farroe | 1- 5 | 184 | |
| Wilson | 6-10 | 168 | |
| Stratz | 11-16 | 121 | |
+--------------------+----------------+----------------+-------------+
In the first column he writes the name of each compositor when he takes
copy; and, in the second, the folio of the copy, that he may be able
to ascertain instantly in whose hands it lies. In the third column he
sets down, opposite to the workman’s name, the number of lines composed,
as fast as the galleys are brought to him. In the fourth, he inserts
such remarks respecting the copy, &c. as may be necessary, and also any
circumstances that may occur in the companionship.
When the work is finished, each man’s share of lines is readily
ascertained, and all disputes are avoided. The publisher may expedite
the progress of the work by offering a copy of the book, or some other
token, as a premium to the compositor who sets the largest number of ems.
The maker-up or clicker usually receives for his compensation the head
and foot lines, and two or three cents per thousand, which is deducted
from the wages paid to the compositor. Sometimes the compositors work “in
pocket,” as it is called, or share evenly in the proceeds. This, however,
is not a satisfactory mode, and its tendency is to retard the work, as no
man will be anxious to do more than his share.
When the compositors are ready for their first taking of copy, it should
be given to them in pieces as short as possible, the first two beginning
with shorter takes than the others, to prevent delay in the making
up. During the time the first take is in hand, the clicker sets the
half-head, head-lines, white-lines, and signature-lines, together with
notes and other extraneous matter.
When the first person brings his matter, the clicker counts or measures
off with a type-measure the number of lines, and inserts them in the
table; he then gives him another take of copy, and proceeds with the
making up. The same plan is observed with the rest of the compositors.
When the first sheet is made up, the clicker lays the pages on the
stone, and informs the foreman of it, who has previously had chases and
furniture prepared and the clicker immediately imposes the form.
[Illustration: TYPE MEASURE.]
The proofs should be read at once and given to the clicker to have them
corrected. As soon as this is done, he lays up the forms, and gives the
proof to the compositor whose matter stands first, who should immediately
correct it, then forward it to the next, and so on, till the sheet be
corrected; the clicker then locks it up and pulls the second proof, which
must be duly forwarded, and the type be locked up finally for press.
The work will now proceed rapidly, provided the compositors stick close
to their work and there be no hinderance with respect to letter, &c.:
this depends on the good management of the foreman.
If the clicker find that he cannot make up the matter as fast as it is
composed, he should call one of the compositors to his assistance, who
must be the person last in copy.