285 
It is hoped, therefore, that by this working together of the 
scientific and the practical some method may be evolved, and some 
definite advance made that will enable the natural product to hold 
its own. ji 
There appears to be no doubt as to the superiority of the natural 
over the artificial product for dyeing purposes, and this is not where 
the fault lies; but it does seem very problematical as to whether 
good quality indigo can ever be produced under cultivation at so 
cheap a rate as that at which the synthetic substance is now manu- 
factured. It has been stated that the two products are more effective 
when mixed in equal proportions, and if this be always true it is 
possible that it may contribute more than anything else to the 
support, and perhaps to the expansion, of the cultural industry. 
The value for “ fine Bengal” Indigo between the years 1812 to 
1833 varied from ds. 6d. to 15s. per lb., and the average quantities 
exported from Bengal during the same period varied from about 
7,000,000 to 9,000,000 Ibs. annually (Dict. Commerce and Naviga- 
tion, McCulloch, 1834, p. 683). It will be noted that in 1888 (see 
the accompanying chart), the average exports from British India 
(Bengal the chief source), are approximately the same, and we m 
perhaps correctly assume, allowing for fluctuations stated, that they 
have been about the same during the intervening period of 50 years 
or so, although the value in 1888 averaged 3s. 9d. per lb. and in 
1908 about 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per lb. 
_ Superior sorts of Java Indigo were in 1901 quoted at from 
4s. 9d. to 5s. 1d. per Ib. (Cons. Rep. Ann. No. 2761, 1902, p. 7). 
The price of Synthetic Indigo in 1897 was 30 frs. per kilo., or 
10s. 10d. per Ib. (Cons. Rep. Ann. No. 2668, 1901, p. 24); in 1900, 
6s. 4d. per Ib. delivered free at consumer’s works, the cost to the 
According to Mr, Consul-General Gurney, Artificial Indigo was 
first launched on the French market under the name of “ Indigo 
pure, B.A.S.F.” (Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik), and the 
pure product is still sold under the same name ; but for facility of 
manipulation it is sold in the form of a paste containing 20 per cent. 
of indigotine, convenient for transport and use (Cons. Rep. Ann. 
No. 2668, 1901, p. 22). : 
In the earlier stages of its commercial development in this 
country the imports were returned amongst “other coal tar dyes, 
in 1902 and 1903 as “ Indigotin,” and afterwards as “ Synthetic 
Indigo,” 
the United Kingdom. The figures are taken from “ The Annual 
Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom with Foreign 
ountries and British Possessions,” compiled at the Custom House. 
‘se values include prime cost, plus insurance and freight to place of 
anding, 
The exact figures up to 10,000 ewts. and £100,000 are, for want 
of space, omitted, 
