871 



The same subject (of the dyeing properties of the lichens) also led me 

 to the Great Exhibition of 1851, where I found several small, but 

 highly-interesting, collections of dye-lichens and lichen-dyes, fabrics 

 dyed by the latter, &c., exhibited by various metropolitan and provin- 

 cial orchil and cudbear manufacturers and dyers, and by private par- 

 ties. To a number of these exhibitors I subsequently wrote, requesting 

 practical infoimation, and specimens ; and while a few did not appa- 

 rently consider it within the sphere of their trade (in other words, 

 remunerative) to supply samples for scientific purposes, others of 

 them, in the handsomest manner, placed specimens gratuitously at 

 my disposal ; and I therefore willingly embrace the present opportu- 

 nity of returning my most sincere thanks for such favours, to Messrs. 

 Benjamin Smith & Son, orchil manufacturers, London ; Messrs. James 

 Robinson & Co., orchil and cudbear manufacturers, Huddersfield ; 

 James Howe & Co., silk-dyers, Coventry ; the Portugese Consul, Lon- 

 don ; &c. 



" I would here take the liberty of shortly pointing out how you 

 may lend material assistance, in the present state of experimental 

 inquiry, on the various subjects just enumerated. 



" 1. By contributing lichens in quantity, for the purpose of mace- 

 ration, with a view to test their colorific powers. Those growing on 

 rocks, in alpine situations, or on the sea-coast, in warm climates, of a 

 pale or white colour, and of a pulverulent or crustaceous consistence, 

 are to be preferred ; but it is not essential, though also important, 

 that the specimens possess fructification, or be otherwise in good 

 condition. 



" 2. By contributing specimens, in good condition (and particularly 

 with fructification), of native or foreign lichens, common or rare, with 

 their names (botanical and vulgar), and notes of their habits, and any 

 similar information, to illustrate structure, organography, geographi- 

 cal distribution, &c. 



" 3. By furnishing information on their economic uses, and on their 

 special applications in dyeing and other arts (particularly on their 

 employment as dye-agents, by the natives of Britain and other coun- 

 tries), with specimens of the lichens so used, and their common names, 

 specimens of fabrics dyed therewith, notes of the processes employed 

 for the elimination of the dyes, &c. Parties resident in or travelling 

 through our western highlands and islands, the northern highlands, 

 Ireland, Wales, Norway, Iceland, and similar countries, are most 

 likely to be able to aflford this description of information, many native 



