st of steam, if the water
falls upon the acid. But in a small quantity as this, there is no
possible danger of accident if the acid is poured on the water.
Sulphuric acid should be closely stoppered and used with care, as it is
corrosive, eating holes in cotton or linen fabrics. With ordinary
precautions it can be used without the least difficulty.

[Sidenote: _Salts set the dyes_]

"Glauber salts are too well known in commerce to need description, and
are used to neutralize the acid. The two in combination do not injure
woolen fabrics, but merely set the dyes.

[Sidenote: _Preparation of a dye bath_]

"In preparing the dye bath allow three gallons of water, and 3/4 oz. of
sulphuric acid; stir thoroughly and add 3 oz. Glauber salts to six yards
of cloth. Then add the dyestuff in required proportions. Stir thoroughly
as each ingredient is added, for the evenness of the dye depends upon
the thorough distribution of the mordants and color in the dye bath.
Generally it is advised to strain the dye before it is added, but, as an
even tone is not the desired result for this special handicraft, I never
follow this suggestion.

[Sidenote: _Coloring depends on temperature_]

"The proper temperature for introducing the color in the bath is not
over 150 deg. F., but if one has not a bath thermometer, the temperature
must be very hot, yet far below boiling point. Temperature plays a great
part in dyeing, for if the dye bath is too hot when the cloth is
introduced, the dye, having a great avidity for wool, will be absorbed
unequally by the cloth, the ends and outside folds of the cloth
absorbing more color than is desired, and the inner folds will have
less. I am not discussing the process of dyeing as it should be done on
a large scale with vats and suitable reels, etc., but as it is likely to
be done by an amateur, in a small way. When the bath is too hot, the
cloth takes the dye unequally and is quite spotted. A little
irregularity is necessary for a play of color, but it should be secured
in a definite way and only to a certain degree, and not as the result of
accident. If the cloth has come out spotty, it may be redipped, having
added more dye and mordants to the bath, but it will come out a darker
shade. If the bath is anywhere near the boiling point before the cloth
is dipped, reduce it by adding a quart or two of cold water."

[Sidenote: _Process of dyeing yarn or raffia_]

[Sidenote: _Clear days are best for dyeing