Tisso, or flowers of Batea frondosa (see Fibrous Substances), and probably also of B. superba, are employed in India and China, for giving yellow and orange tints to cotton goods. They were once imported into Liverpool, as " Kessaree flowers," but are not now known in Western commerce.
Tokio-purple.—The root of Lithospernium erythrorhizon, a native of Japan, contains a red colouring principle, which is used with mordants, to dye a purple shade known as " Tokio-purple." The roots occur in commerce as thick lumps, purple without, and yellowish-white within. It would appear to be useful rather for colouring oils, than for dyeing textile fabrics.
Turmeric (Fa., Curcuma ; GEE., Kurkuma, Gelbwurzel). —The root of Curcuma longa affords a yellow colouring matter. The plant is indigenous to S. Asia, both continental and insular, where it is largely cultivated. The rhizomes are of two kinds: the central ones are round, seldom less than I in. thick, often cut and scalded, to destroy their vitality and facilitate drying ; the lateral ones are long. Both are very hard and firm, with a dull waxy resinous fracture, of orange, or orange brown colour ; they possess a peculiar aromatic odour and flavour. Five descriptions of turmeric are now distinguished in the English market, according to the locality of production, but possessing too feebly marked characters to admit of verbal definition. These are :—(1) China, largely shipped from Takow (Formosa) to Chinese ports ; it is rare in the European market, and is much esteemed, its price being about 15-21s. a cwt. (2) Madras, a fine variety, occurring in pieces termed "fingers," and valued at 13-25s. a cwt. (3) Bengal, possessing a deeper colour than any other sort, and therefore preferred by dyers ; value, 13s. 9d.-14s. a cwt. (4) Java, distinguished chiefly by being dusted with its own powder, and showing a dull fracture ; worth 10-11s. a cwt. (5) Malabar, in "bulbs," 88.9d.-10s. a cwt. A sixth variety, termed Cochin, not quoted in London lists, appears to belong to another species of the plant (see Starch). C. Tonga grows wild in many parts of India, and is a general object of cultivation. It prefers rich, light soils ; and is easily propagated by off-sets from the roots. An acre should yield 2000 lb. of fresh roots. The roots are dried and ground, for use. Very fine turmeric is said to grow in the Isthmus of Panama, and to await commercial development. On the slopes of all the hills bordering the plains of the Beni, in Bolivia, the plant is found in large quantities, and the roots will probably soon become an article of export. The so-called "African turmeric" is yielded by a species of Canna, which is cultivated
by the inhabitants of Sierra Leone, for the rich yellow dye afforded by its rhizomes. The tubers attain maturity in December-January, and are then dug up, and sun-dried, before being taken to market. The price is nominal, and depends upon the demand. The value of turmeric in Western commerce depends solely upon its yield of colouring matter, Curcumin, its employment in dyeing textiles is limited and declining, and one of its principal uses is for giving a yellow tint to chemical test-papers. In the East, it is used less as a dye than as a condiment; it is also a common ingredient of curry-powders (see Spices).
Walnut -husks.—The green outer husks of walnuts contain a yellow-brown colouring matter, which dyes remarkably permanent shades on woollen and cotton goods, and might be used for staining wood. No mordant is required for wool, and the dyeing is cheap and simple. The husks may be kept dry till used, or packed moist in tubs, which latter increases their colouring power.
Weld (Fa., Gaude, Maude; GEE., Wau).—The pods of the non-aromatic variety of mignonette, named Weld (Reseda luteola), afford a yellow colouring matter, which has been called Luteoline, The plant is either annual or perennial, growing to a height of 2-3 ft. ; it flourishes best in light calcareous soils. The seed should be drilled in during early autumn, on land that has been well tilled. About 10 lb. of seed suffice for an acre. Inflorescence commences in the following July, when the crop may be harvested ; or the ripening of the seed may be awaited, the latter being then thrashed out, and pressed, yielding 25-35 per cent. of oil. The plants are pulled up by the roots, and left lying for a few days on the ground ; they are then tied together in small sheaves, and set up to dry, after which they are ready for trapsport to market. An average crop will be 30-40 cwt. an acre. The plant is very liable to attacks of mildew, which much reduces the value of the return. The permanence of the dye, and its suitability for both animal and vegetable tissues, led to its being largely cultivated in England, and on the Continent ; but the competition first of quercitron and flavin, and then of aniline dyes, has caused it to be almost, or quite, abandoned.