CHAPTER XXIII 



DYEING 



224. Dyes. One of the most important and lucrative in- 

 dustrial processes of the world to-day is that of staining and 

 dyeing. Whether we consider the innumerable shades of 

 leather used in shoes and harnesses and upholstery ; the mul- 

 titude of colors in the paper which covers our walls and re- 

 flects light ranging from the somber to the gay, and from 

 the delicate to the gorgeous ; the artificial scenery which 

 adorns the stage and by its imitation of trees and flowers 

 and sky translates us to the Forest of Arden ; or whether 

 we consider the uncounted varieties of color in dress ma- 

 terials, in carpets, and in hangings, we are dealing with sub- 

 stances which owe their beauty to dyes and dyestuffs. 



The coloring of textile fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and 

 silk, far outranks in amount and importance that of leather, 

 paper, etc., and hence the former only will be considered 

 here ; but the theories and facts relative to textile dyeing are 

 applicable in a general way to all other forms as well. 



225. Plants as a Source of Dyes. Among the most beauti- 

 ful examples of man's handiwork are the baskets and blankets 

 of the North American Indians, woven with a skill which 

 cannot be equaled by manufacturers, and dyed in mellow 

 colors with a few simple dyes extracted from local plants. 

 The magnificent rugs and tapestries of Persia and Turkey, 

 and the silks of India and Japan, give evidence that a knowl- 

 edge of dyes is widespread and ancient. Until recently, the 



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