ON DYEING. 27 



first stage in Judson's "slate" dissolved in boiling 

 water, until a rather deep shade is got. In a quart 

 of boiling water, dissolve sufficient extract of 

 indigo to colour it a pale sky blue, and, for the 

 second stage, steep the feathers until they are of 

 the required shade. 



It occurred to me that there should be no great 

 practical difficulty in making preparations which 

 would dye any colour required by the fly-dresser in 

 a single operation, and, with a view of elucidating 

 this point, I put myself in communication with 

 Messrs. E. Crawshaw and Co., makers of aniline 

 and other dyes, of 80, Fann Street, Aldersgate 

 Street, E.G. This firm, after some consideration, 

 offered to make a set of dyes, specially designed to 

 produce all the colours required for the pattern flies 

 illustrated in this work. On receipt of the speci- 

 men packets, each was practically tested, and, after 

 alterations, and even the making of new dyes in 

 some cases, I am gratified to find that there is now 

 to be obtained a reliable set of dyes, sold at a very 

 moderate price, with which an amateur can dye 

 quills, hackles, &c., to any of the shades given in 

 the coloured illustrations. 



The following are the simple directions for the 

 use of these dyes : 



Thoroughly wash all feathers, &c., before dyeing, 

 in a weak solution of ordinary washing soda in 

 boiling water, so as to remove the grease ; then 

 rinse well in cold water. Dissolve the dye in 



