also for pink saucers, and vegetable rouge, which 
are prepared from it in the following manner. 
Wash safflower till no stain is given to the water, 
and then dry it. Of this take half an ounce ; infuse 
it a short time in a pint of water, in which a dram 
of the subcarbonate of soda has been previously 
dissolved ; strain off the liquid, to which add an 
ounce of finely levigated French chalk. The alkali 
will hold the colouring matter of the safflower in 
solution, and the chalk will remain colourless; but 
by adding a little tartaric or citric acid, the alkali 
will be neutralized, and the red colouring matter, 
which is not soluble in simple water, being set at 
liberty, will fall to the bottom, combined with the 
chalk. Thus a beautiful pigment is produced, which 
may be dried, and further levigated for spreading 
on saucers; or ground with a drop or two of olive 
oil, will form the Spanish or vegetable rouge. Li- 
quid pink dye is a similar preparation, with a portion 
of spirit of wine. 
This flower possesses two distinct qualities of co- 
lour. The one yellow, which readily yields to water ; 
the other red, which is insoluble in water and oils, 
but is soluble in alcohol and aether. The alkalies 
dissolve it, but injure its colour : but it is again re- 
stored by acids. 
Being annual, it must be raised from seed, which 
should be sown on a border of light earth, early in 
April. As some of the seeds, from gathered florets, 
which are always abortive, are generally mixed with 
those that are fertile, an extra quantity should be 
used. If put on the mingled flower border, one 
plant in each place will be sufficient. 
Hort. Kevv. 2, v. 4, 491. 
