“The experiments which have of late been made with home-grown madder," says the " Lowell Journal," " have proved that, when properly treated, American is equal to the best French madder. Like Turkey,*Dutch or Alsace madders, the American requires the addition of a little chalk to produce the best effects. During the past winter, the Merri-mack Company have used, with great success, some madder grown in Montague, Franklin Co., Mass., and are now about to dye some calico with this Massachusetts madder, to be exhibited at the New Yoik Crystal Palace.— Within a few days the Merrirnjack Company have received a small sample of madder grown in Georgia, which proves to be an ex cellent article—quite equal to that of Massa chusetts. We have been informed that there grows wild, in Florida, a plant, whose roots, when eaten by hogs, colors their bones red. Such is the effect of madder. Doubtless this is an indigenous species, whose cultivation would richly reward the planter. It is hoped that samples of this ' Pinkroot,' as it is term ed in Florida, may be forwarded to Lowell for trial in dyeing. It is very desirable to determine whether it is madder requiring the peculiar treatment of all madders, (except the Avignon,) to produce the fullest, fattest, and most brilliant colors."
This article was originally published with the title "American Madder" in Scientific American 8, 33, 259 (April 1853)
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican04301853-259d