136 WELD. 
'the branches, and have scarcely any stalks. The fruit is a 
berry about the size of an orange. 
The name of this gum has been derived from that of 
the country whence it is brought. The mode of ob- 
taining it is by puncturing or cutting the branches of 
the trees. It issues from the wounds in a fluid state, 
but soon becomes hardened by the heat of the sun. 
After this it is formed into large cakes or rolls, in which 
state we receive it. 
Gamboge is chiefly used as a pigment. When good, 
It is of a fine orange colour ; and on being softened 
with water, is bright yellow, requiring no preparation 
previously to being used. It is also given as a medi- 
cine ; but its operations being very violent, it should 
be administered with great caution. 
The dried fruit of the gamboge tree is not unfre- 
quently sent to our colonies in the East Indies, where 
it is used in sauces, and with several kinds of food. 
146. WELD (Reseda luteola) is a plant of the mignionette 
tribe, used in dyeing : it grows wild in barren and unculti- 
vated places, particularly on coal-pit banks, in several parts 
of England. 
The leaves are spear-shaped, and entire, with a tooth-like 
process on each side of the base. The flowers are yellow, and 
in long spikes ; and the calyx is divided into four segments. 
In some parts of England, particularly in the cloth- 
ing counties, weld is cultivated to great extent ; and it 
flourishes in sandy soils that could be turned to little 
advantage in any other way. When the plants are ripe, 
they are pulled up by the roots, dried, and tied into 
bundles for use. 
The tinging quality of weld resides both in the stems 
and roots. This imparts to wool, cotton, mohair, and 
silk, a very bright and beautiful yellow colour ; and 
blue cloths, dipped in a decoction of it, become green. 
The yellow colour of the paint called Dutch pink is 
obtained from this plant. 
