In 1827, however, Samuel Rust of New York, perfected an invention which was a great improvement on the Smith press. The frame, instead of being all of cast-iron, had the uprights at the sides hollowed for the admission of wrought-iron bars, which were securely riveted at the top and bottom of the casting. This gave not only additional strength, but greatly diminished the amount of metal used in construction. This patent was purchased by R. Hoe & Co., who improved upon it, and proceeded with the manufacture of the presses, although the “Smith” continued to be used to some extent. The new invention was known as the “Washington” press, and in principle and construction has never been surpassed by any hand printing machine. They were manufactured in great numbers, and continue to be manufactured and sold at the present time for taking fine proofs, although the universal adoption of the cylinder press has almost entirely superseded them for other printing. The number made and sold by Hoe & Co. alone, a majority of which are now in use, is over six thousand. They have been sent all over the world. This style of press is made in seven sizes. [Illustration: WASHINGTON HAND PRESS] The following is a description of this press: The bed slides on a track and is run in and out from under the platen by turning a crank which has belts attached to a pulley upon its shaft. The impression of the platen is given by means of a curved lever acting on a toggle joint, and the platen is lifted by springs on either side. Attached to the bed is a “tympan” frame covered with cloth, and standing inclined, to receive the sheet to be printed. Another frame, called the “frisket,” is attached to the tympan, and covered with a sheet of paper, having the parts which otherwise would be printed upon cut away, so as to prevent the “chase” and “furniture” from blacking or soiling the sheet. The frisket is turned down over the sheet and tympan and all are folded down when the impression is taken. Automatic inking rollers were attached to this machine, operated by a weight raised by the pull of the pressman, the descent of the weight drawing the rollers over the type and returning them to the inking cylinder while the pressman placed another sheet upon the tympan. Still further improvements in this inking apparatus were made and patented by Hoe & Co., in which the distribution of the ink on the rollers was effected by means of an apparatus driven by steam power and which also caused the inking rollers to move forward over the type at the will of the pressman. [Illustration: TREADWELL’S WOODEN-FRAME BED AND PLATEN POWER PRESS]