PREPARATION OF INDIGtJ. 



153 



PREPARATION OF INDIGO. 



By the observations of Lechenault, it 

 appears that in Java they make an indigo 

 which is superior to that formed by fer- 

 mentation. 



The plant is washed to separate the 

 dirt, and then boiled in copper pots, con- 

 taining about seven or eight quarts of 

 water, until the water attains a green 



color. The water is then poured into 

 earthen jars, holding about SO or 90 

 quarts, and beat up until the scum appears 

 bluish, the fecula is then permitted to 

 subside, and afterwards dried. 



Indigo certainly exists in many plants. 

 It may be discovered by leaving the ex- 

 pressed juice of a plant exposed to the air 

 for some days, and then evaporating itj 



