176 THE CHINESE SUGAR CANE. 
each other, and capable of eiving colored salts perfectly 
crystallized. By combining our coloring principles with 
different chemical substances, there are obtained not only 
a number of known colors, but, furthermore, tints on the 
stuffs which are unknown in France, and like which we 
have no specimens except the beautiful embroideries 
which we receive from China. We sincerely hope that 
the Government, comprehending all the importance of 
these discoveries, shall publish the results obtained. It 
is impossible that a plant which, in the hands of a single 
individual, has given results so extraordinary and so 
varied, should not be called to play a great part in all 
branches of industry.” 
I translate as follows the account of his curious 
researches: ‘The hulls which envelope the seeds 
of the sorgho are tinted with a reddish brown so 
deeply that they appear black. The tint is due to a 
complex coloring matter condensed in this part of the 
seed, but which also exists in the radicular fibers at their 
origin, and in the young suckers. This coloring matter 
is insoluble in cold water. Boiling water dissolves it, 
with a red violet color. Alcohol, even cold, takes itfrom 
the hulls, and becomes colored with a deep red. Ether 
dissolves it, and takes on a bright red tint. <A boiling 
solution of alum takes on a reddish lilac color. Concen- 
trated sulphuric acid dissolves it with a deep reddish 
color; chlorohydric acid with a reddish orange color; 
the alkalies with a brown. 
“The acid solutions in water, caused to precipitate a 
substance of a deep reddish brown tint. Alkaline solu- 
tions precipitated by acids brown flakes, which redden 
