That we may give at least a general view of the whole subject, we will proceed to consider indigo in some relations not yet adverted to.
In Part I. of our notes we have treated only of the application of this substance in dyeing by means of reduction through the indigo vat. Indigo may be applied by means of reduction in the printing of fabrics, as well as in dyeing them. A true scientific arrangement would compel us next in order to consider this other application of indigo by means of reduction. But the more natural and practical order is to pursue the subject of dyeing, and to consider next the applications of the derivatives from indigo in dyeing proper.
See the case stated at length in our article on Trade-marks, Bulletin, vol. i. p. 102.
A reply by Mr. D. R. Whitney, an extensive indigo importer, to a letter of inquiry, enables us to correct some errors in our former article, under the head of “commerce in indigo.” The value of export from India in 1862–63, stated in dollars, through a typographical error, should have been pounds sterling; thus, instead of $2,126,814, read £2,126,814. It is stated in our first article that the telegrams show a decline of price of indigo in the Indian trade of from 50 to 75 per cent; “per cent” should read “rupees,” which would make a decline of from 25 to 30 per cent. The reason for the decline, as stated by Mr. Whitney, is the unusually large crop of this year. The average crop of indigo in Bengal is about 100,000 maunds. The crop of this year is 135,000 maunds, about 30 to 35 per cent above the average.
According to Mr. Whitney, the consumption of Bengal indigo in the United States was 2,458 cases of 270 lbs. to a case on an average, in 1871; and in 1872, 1,802 cases. Guatemala indigo, 3,132 serroons in 1871, and 2,578 serroons in 1872.
See notes on “sickness” of vats in Appendix.