DIRECTIONS FOR DYEING GUT. 61 



the line, pe?' se, that a culprit does of a rope), 

 is universally admitted ; and why we should not 

 follow out that rule in the smallest minutise, I am 

 at a loss to understand. 



Herb. — But tell me now how do you procure 

 this colour? I've heard something abt)ut the 

 capabihty of common ink to produce it. 



Theoph. — It is generally used, and when mixed 

 with one part of cold vinegar and a little water, 

 if the gut be soaked for two hours or less, it will 

 be found a handy process ; but as there is much 

 copperas in ink, which has a rotting tendency, I 

 prefer a recipe, the ingredients of which I can 

 trust. Some persons stain their gut by simply 

 rubbing blotting paper steeped in ink over it. I 

 will now put you in possession of my secrets in 

 dyeing gut. But let me start with general direc- 

 tions applicable to all the recipes I give you, 

 unless otherwise e.vpressed. 



General Directions for Dyeing Gut. 

 In an earthen pipkin boil about one pint and 

 a half of cold water with the dyeing ingredients I 

 shall mention presently. When these have boiled 

 about ten minutes, take the pipkin off the fire, and 

 after a minute or so, immerse the gut, tied, if at 

 all, very loosely, and leave it in the still bub- 

 bling liquid, so long only by the watch, as I direct, 

 and it is dyed enough ; for observe, that these 



