important ones only
are here noted. The whole question of dyes is a most difficult one
and hardly warrants the time which has been spent upon investigating
the various dye materials, nor the effort which would be necessary
to determine definitely the methods by which they can be used on mat
straws. The artificial dyes have driven the natural vegetable dyes
out of use because they are cheaper and are more easily applied, and
because in most cases they produce more pleasing and lasting colors.

Sappan.--This plant (Caesalpinia sappan) is known as sapang in
Tagalog and Ilocano and as sibucao in Visayan and Bicol. A beautiful
dye varying from red to red-orange (see Plate III) is obtained from
chips of the wood. This is employed on most Philippine fibers. Lime is
sometimes used as a mordant but the straws are usually first treated
with kolis leaves.

Turmeric.--This plant (Curcuma longa) is known as dilao throughout the
Islands. In Ilocano it is called kunig. Kalaoag is its name in Negros
and Sorsogon, ange in Pampanga and duao in parts of the Visayas. The
yellow dye obtained from the roots is fugitive in the sunlight.

Annatto.--This plant (Bixa orellana) is generally known here
as achuete. It is sometimes called achiote. The plant bears burs
containing many small reddish seeds, from the pulp of which the dye
is obtained. It is often employed in combination with turmeric. The
result is a yellow orange. The dye fades easily.

Deora.--The use of this plant (Peristrophe tinctoria) is confined to
the Visayas and Mindanao, where it is known by this name and also
as dauda and daura. In Samar the name is dala-uda. It is a small
bush and is usually grown in the gardens for its leaves and tender
stems. A mordant is not used. The color ranges from yellow orange to
a deep red orange.

The methods of using these dye materials are explained for each straw.

Materials Used with Mud to Obtain Dark Grays.

Red or green straws are turned dark gray by burying them in mud to
which certain substances (usually containing tannin) are added.

Talisay.--This large tree (Terminalia catappa) is common in the
Philippines. The leaves are added to the mud in dyeing straw
black. From the bark a brown dye may be obtained. It is, however,
seldom used. It is universally known as talisay. Spanish speaking
people call it almendras.

Indigo.--Two species of Indigoferae are grown in the Philippines and
are known as tagum. Except with mud they ar