No. 19«.] 171 



MADDER. 



Mr. H. Gilyam, formerly of Holland, exhibited specimens of Mad- 

 der grown at Flatbush, Long Island, where he now resides. We are 

 not judges of the article, but those who are, spoke in good terms of the 

 specimens shown. Mr. Gilyam informs us that since his residence in 

 the United States, he has taken great pains to ascertain the most 

 suitable locations for its cultivation, in reference to soil, climate, &c. 

 The examination has convinced him that from Norfolk, Va., to Wil- 

 mington, N. C, and from the sea board twenty -five miles to the 

 interior, the soil and climate are better adapted for madder culture 

 than any other section of the United States. Mr. G. is undoubtedly 

 well acquainted with its cultivation, having pursued it in Holland for 

 many years^ 



This plant is a native of the South of Europe, Asia Minor, and 

 India. It is extensively used in dyeing red, and if properly prepared 

 produces that color in great beauty. It is also used in producing 

 blue, black, buff, olive-brown, olive, navy blue, and other colors. It 

 is extensively cultivated in Holland, Alsace, Provence, &c. A rich 

 soil is necessary for its growth, and when the soil is impregnated with 

 alkaline matter, the root acquires a red color; in other cases it is 

 yellow. In France, the red sells for 40 cents per 100 lbs. higher 

 than the yellow, where it is extensively used for the Turkey red dye. 



Few American gentlemen, whilst traveling abroad, have devoted 

 more of their time and attention to the interests of their countrymen 

 than Gen. James Tallmadge, from whom, under date of December 

 25, 1836, we find the following letter on the subject of madder, 

 addres.sed to Jesse Buel, Esq. : 



'• Dear Sir — Your known zeal in augmenting the productions of our 

 country, and your efforts to make an additional blade sprout where it 

 was before barren, gives assurance that a package of foreign seeds 

 could not be placed in better hands, than when confided to your care. 

 I have a package of Madder seed, which I brought from Avignon, on the 

 Rhone. It is but a few years since France purchased from Holland, 



