406 JOURNAL R. A. S. (CEYLON). [Vol. III. 



Gampaha near Udapussellawa. Specimens of the plant with 

 a drawing of it were forwarded to Government, who sent 

 them to the Chamber of Commerce in December 1853. 



The drawing consisted of two parts, No. 1 represented all 

 the parts of the plant to identify the species, with magnified 

 views of the flower, and section of the fruit. No. 2. shewed 

 the appearance and ramification of the root, so that its com- 

 mercial value might be indicated Both parts of the drawing 

 were of natural size.* The Indian Madder is not 

 so valueless as some would make it appear. We 

 learn from a high authority in such matters, that "the 

 Madder is produced in Nepaul and in various districts of 

 India. That which is brought to England, is imported from 

 Culcutia, and is cultivated in the high lands about Natpore 

 in Purneah. The roots are long and slender, and when 

 broken appear of a red color. It is used in dyeing ; the red 

 which it produces being, though somewhat peculiar, nearly 

 the same as that produced by European madder." 



Dr. Bancroft says " that upon wool, or woolen cloth, its 

 colour is brighter and livelier than upon cotton or linen ; 

 and, when proper mordants are used, nearly, perhaps quite, 

 as permanent." 



It is stated in the Jury Report, " that specimens of madder 

 grown in localities deficient in lime were considered in- 

 ferior." The Reports of the Juries of the Great Exhibi- 

 tion of 1851, on Indian Madder, are encouraging ; they 

 state, " that the Indian Madder is a valuable dye stuff, and 

 hitherto not so well appreciated as it deserves, for some of 

 the colours dyed with it are as permanent as those dyed 

 with European Madder, and even more brilliant ■ its use 

 is, however, gradually increasing, and it is unquestionably 

 well worthy the attention of dyers.' 



For the following Oriental names of the Madder plant 



* For a full description of the Madder plant as found in Badulla, 

 see " Observations of the Vegetable Products of Ceylon," page 17- 



