In reproducing wood-cut prints, the size can often be considerably
reduced; but if the reduction is great, the lines become so fine and
close together that they will not print well. Coarse wood-cuts, such
as are generally used in Newspapers, may often be reduced to half
their linear dimensions, but _fine_ wood-cuts will admit of but little
reduction.
_Most_ steel plate prints and lithographs will not admit of any
reduction, and even when reproduced, the same size in relief, require
considerable care in printing.
All kinds of prints generally look bad when much enlarged, as the
lines become very coarse and ragged on the edges; though we have
sometimes made very effective cuts for posters and hand-bills in this
way.
In all cases of enlargement and reduction the relative proportions
remain the same.
It must not be forgotten, however, that by redrawing, prints of any
kind can be enlarged or reduced to any desired size.