334 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



For many centuries it has been an ingredient of great 

 importance with English dyers. So early as the year 

 1198 we find it in very extensive use, and it conti- 

 nued an article of increasing trade until the introduc- 

 tion of indigo, when, as it has been already observed, 

 woad began to decline in consideration. Its natural 

 colour is a deep blue, almost approaching to black. 

 Indigo affords a much more lively and pleasing hue, 

 while it contains, beyond all comparison, a propor- 

 tionate greater quantity of colouring matter ; but it is 

 less permanent than woad, which is therefore still 

 used in conjunction with that and other dyes, but 

 now seldom employed by itself. Its price has been 

 lowered by its lessened consumption, and conse- 

 quently there is not so much inducement held out for 

 its careful cultivation and preparation. The colour 

 now sold is consequently much inferior to that for- 

 merly prepared ; and it is supposed that a more 

 careful management might be productive of great 

 improvement in this dye. 



Woad is cultivated in the Azores and the Canary 

 Islands, in Italy, in Switzerland, and in papts of 

 Germany and of Sweden. It is likewise indigenous 

 to England, and is very extensively grown in Lanca- 

 shire, where it is much used. This plant is also cul- 

 tivated and prepared in various parts of France. That 

 of the southern departments is the most esteemed, 

 and is distinguished by the name of Pastel. Another 

 species, the Isatis lusitanica, is grown in Portugal 

 and Spain. This differs from the Isatis sativa in 

 being of smaller growth, and having narrower leaves. 

 A species of woad, apparently the same plant as that 

 used by the dyers, is found growing wild in some 

 parts of France, and on the coast of the Baltic sea. 



This plant is biennial, having a large woody root, 

 which penetrates deep into the ground. The stem 

 is from three to four feet high, and about half an 



