BLACK DYES. 



In the five preceding years, 3,268 tons have been 

 on an average annually imported into this country. It 

 is admitted on a duty of Is. 6d. per cwt. 



A patent was taken out in 1826 for applying the 

 shells of chesnuts as a substitute for galls. It is how- 

 ever well ascertained that the gall-nut is so much 

 richer in gallic acid and tannin, as to be not only much 

 better but more economical. 



The fruit of the Terminalia chebula, or Myrobalans, 

 is much used by the Hindoos as an excellent substi- 

 tute for galls, all the useful properties of which it is 

 found to possess. It is called in Bengal Hurrah 

 phul, the largest distinguished as Burrah hurrah, 

 and the smallest as Choota hurrah, and it is com- 

 monly sold in the bazaar of Calcutta. Myrobalans 

 are equal in value to about half their weight of galls. 

 In appearance they are of an irregular shape, and 

 when fresh are of a pale yellow colour. They become 

 darker by age, until they are of a deep brown, or 

 nearly black, resembling dried plums. If the pulpy 

 or outer part were divested of the stone, which is 

 entirely useless, this substance would then be more 

 valuable than an equal weight of galls, and it is 

 probable might become a highly useful article of 

 commerce. With the fecula of iron it produces an 

 excellent black colour, and with weaker solutions of 

 sulphate of iron a fine brown ; in combination with 

 alum a buff' colour is obtained, which is the chintz 

 painter's best yellow. Mixed with iron filings and 

 water, it communicates a strong black dye to leather, 

 and in every respect produces a similar effect to that 

 of galls. 



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