t4§ 
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 of 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. 
(c) .— 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 as 
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. 
(*>) — 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 optimistic. 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 
