WOAD 335 



inch in diameter, dividing into several branches, 

 which are loaded with many leaves of a lucid green 

 colour, and sitting close to the stalk. They are thick, 

 and of a long oval form, terminating in obtuse points, 

 generally about a foot long, and half a foot broad in 

 their widest part. The branches are surmounted by 

 small yellow flowers, disposed in panicles ; these ap- 

 pear in July, and are succeeded by seeds, which come 

 to maturity in September. The soil in which this 

 plant succeeds best is a gentle hazel loam, whose 

 parts will easily separate ; that is, a medium between 

 a light, sandy, and a stiff, moist soil. Three or four 

 crops are usually obtained in one year. The first 

 when the stems begin to turn yellow and the flowers 

 are about to appear; the others at successive intervals 

 of six weeks, or more, according to the temperature of 

 the climate. The two first gatherings render the best 

 woad. The plants are mowed down with a scythe, and 

 as soon as collected are washed in a stream of water, 

 and dried in the sun. The desiccation must be rapidly 

 performed : if the season be unfavourable, and the 

 woad be exposed to rain, it will run the hazard of 

 being spoiled. A single night is sometimes sufficient 

 to turn it black. Immediately on being dried from 

 the effects of the washing, it is conveyed to a mill, 

 resembling the oil and tan mills, and is ground into 

 a smooth paste. If this process were deferred for any 

 time it would speedily putrefy, and emit an intolerable 

 and unwholesome odour. This paste is laid in heaps, 

 which are pressed close and smooth, and then covered 

 to protect them from rain. A blackish crust is soon 

 formed on the outside, which, if it happen to crack, 

 is carefully reunited. Should this be neglected, little 

 worms would be produced in the cracks, and the 

 woad lose part of its strength. After remaining thus 

 covered a fortnight, the heaps are opened, and the 

 crust rubbed aal mixed with the inside. This matter 



