148 



almost mathematically, to be obtained. It has the advantage of 

 greater cleanliness, whence the possibility of obtaining more beauti- 

 ful tints, which it is always easy enough to tarnish, if it is desired 

 to imitate the tones of natural indigo ol inferior quality. The 

 artificial indigo was at first used without previous preparation by 

 crushing. With equal quantities of both products, better results 

 were obtained from natural indigo, but the yield of synthetic indigo 

 was found to be greatly increased if previously crushed. There 

 was then no loss. The cost of the artificial dye sold at the price 

 of the natural product was thereby lessened. It was also found 

 that the same mills, hitherto employed in the crushing of natural 

 indigo, could be used in the crushing of the German dye. The 

 change of dye by dyers entailed therefore no additional plant. 



fcj. — All the small dyers in France have given up natural indigo 

 for the reasons mentioned in paragraph [b) . Another advantage to 

 them is that they can order small quantities of the artificial dye a^ 

 needed, and do not require to lay in a stock and insure it. 



(d) — Another authority informs me that synthetic indigo is easier 

 of manipulation and more pleasing to the eye. It will gradually 

 take the place of natural indigo in almost all cases. But as the 

 vegetable dye gives more solidity to the cloth than synthetic indi- 

 go, it will still be used, either pure or mixed, by the great whole- 

 sale manufacturers of cloth for uniforms, Government contractors. 

 Government inspectors are appointed to verify the nature of the 

 dye used in the making of cloths for uniforms. There is conse- 

 quently some hope of natural indigo not being altogether dispensed 

 with. But how long this will last, in view of possible improve- 

 ments of synthetic indigo, it is difficult to say. Doubtless, the dyes 

 are already being mixed to reduce cost, The German Government 

 is said to leave the choice of the dye to the manufacturer of the 

 cloth. 



(e) — The German manufacturers give the synthetic indigo the 

 following praise: — (i) Great purity; vivid colouring. (2) Uniform- 

 ity of quality. (3) Economy, as every bit of their dye can be used, 

 whereas the vegetable dye always leaves a certain percentage of 

 deposit, not utilisable in the dye vat. It can be employed without 

 previous crushing; but this operation, with the old plant in use, 

 gives still more profitable results. (4) It meets the requirements 

 of small dyers, who can puchase it in small quantities as needed. 

 The German manufacturers are confident that as alizarine red has 

 taken the place of madder in the course of ten years, so their syn- 

 thetic indigo will oust the Indian plant sooner or later. 



This German opinion is perhaps somewhat too cptimistic. I give 

 at the close of these notes some opinions of experts on the other 

 side; but, and this is the most important point of the whole 

 matter, improvements of Indian methods of cultivation and prepa- 

 ration will have to be made. The fight will be a hard one. 



Demand, Output and Prices. 



The present production of artificial indigo in Germany is said on 

 good authority to equal the natural product supplied by plantations 



