BACK BOXES.—The whole of the boxes in the upper-case not appropriated to either capitals, small capitals, or figures, are generally so termed, whether they happen to be in the front or hack part of the case; as are also the small boxes on the outer portion of the lower-case.

BACKING.—In Electrotyping, is the process of filling-in the back of the electrotype with metal. In presswork it is synonymous with Perfecting (q.v.).

BACKS.—In the Imposition of a forme, the first division to the left; that is, between the first and last pages. The next division is the gutter; the next the back; and so on.

BAD COPY.—Intricate, involved, or carelessly or unintelligibly written copy. An arrangement as to extra payment for such should be made before the job is taken in hand, if it is to be done on “piece.”

BAKE.—This is a term used in some instances where, when letter is rinsed or laid-up for distribution, it adheres so closely together that it is separated with difficulty; the Compositor's fingers are made sore by pressing the types against the edge of the cases in order to distribute them into the proper boxes. All new letter is difficult to separate and distribute if it remains long in chase after it is worked off, from the lye penetrating the interstices of the letters. New type should always be saturated with a solution of soft soap and water before being laid into case. This not only prevents baking, but takes off the extreme brightness which is so unpleasant to the eye, and renders the type better to feel with the fingers.