376 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



decoction being of only a dull brownish colour ; but 

 this substance imparts a deep red colour to alcohol, 

 oils, wax, and all unctuous substances. In conse- 

 quence the principal use made of it is in colouring 

 oils, unguents, and lip-salves. Wax tinged with it 

 imparts a flesh-coloured stain when applied to warm 

 marble, which by an infusion in alcohol is stained of 

 a deep red colour. 



Its consumption is considerable in this country, 

 in comparison with the apparently trifling uses to 

 which it is applied ; 55,374 Ibs. were retained for 

 home consumption in 1830. The import duty is 

 2s. per cwt. ; its price being about 2. 10s. per cwt. 



