_]

Before dyeing yarn or raffia, bind the skeins loosely in several places
to prevent tangling. "Having prepared the bath, gather the cloth in the
right hand at half a dozen places along one selvedge, and drop it in,
spreading it at once, using two stout sticks, lifting it up and down
continually so as to expose all parts to the dye. The temperature should
be increased to the boiling point and continued for three-quarters of an
hour. Then lift the cloth up and drain it, then rinse in cold water,
wring dry, but do not press with an iron, as the soft wooly texture is
very desirable. When a quantity of the same color is desired, the same
water can be used again by adding acid and Glauber salts, together with
more dyestuff with each fresh dip of cloth. It must be stated, however,
that the color will not be so clear with succeeding dips, but that does
not matter, as a difference is desired. The process of dyeing is very
delicate, and the utmost precision must be observed in following
proportions and directions regarding temperature, etc. Dyeing is more
successful in clear weather than on rainy days, and soft water is
required to get good results. If water contains much lime or earthy
salts it is unfit for dyeing, and must be neutralized by acetic acid. In
such cases it would be still better to use rain water.

[Sidenote: _Vegetable dyes and chemical dyes compared_]

"There is a curious conviction prevailing in some quarters that
beautiful durable colors are obtainable only from vegetable dyes. My
first experiments were with barks, mosses, etc., but the difficulty of
getting them, the enormous amount necessary to dye any quantity of
goods, the tedious process in their use, and the fact that after all
only a narrow range of colors is obtainable from them, compelled me to
abandon them altogether. I began to investigate chemical dyes, and to
gain information I applied to one of the largest woolen mills in New
England, one which maintains a high reputation for the class of goods it
manufactures; also to two wholesale houses dealing in all kinds of
dyestuffs; and finally to one of the best experts in color in the
country. Their verdict was unanimous, and is summed up in the opinion of
the expert which he expressed in a letter to me on this question:

"'In regard to the use of vegetable dyes, I would say that they have
almost disappeared from commerce, certainly for the purpose of dyeing
fabrics.

[Sidenote: _Aniline colors_]