Page:Cyclopedia of Painting-Armstrong, George D (1908).djvu/376

368 Pipe Gamboge, which is the best, it comes from Siam in rolls one inch and a half in diameter and about twelve inches long, through which there is a hole about half an inch in diameter. Lump Gamboge, in masses weighing about one or two pounds, and having the appearance of a hardened yellow paste. Gamboge in tears or small drops.

Turmeric is the rhizonerhizome [sic], or root-stalk, of a plant called the Curcuma longa. There are several varieties, of which the China and Bengal are considered the best. The colors produced by Turmeric are various and very beautiful shades of yellow. It is not as a dye-stuff considered permanent, but in the stains, when oiled or varnished, this failing is materially remedied.

Alkanet-root. The plant from which this root is obtained is of a diffuse character, rarely attaining a height of a foot. It is much cultivated in the south of France, and some portions of Germany. Its chief use is in giving a fine crimson color to perfumery and woods, for which purposes it is soaked in oil in the manner above described.

Cam-wood. This tree is a native of Sierra Leone, and has shining leaves and white flowers. It is of considerable size, often attaining the height of fifty feet. The stem is the part used, it is cut into logs about four feet in length, and these, after the removal of the bark and outer wood, are split and trimmed square for exportation, they are of a deep red color, and yield a brilliant red dye, which is rendered much deeper by sulphate of iron.