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Red Saunders

Saffron.

Spanish saffron is generally considered the best va riety, but the high price of this coloring matter gives rise to frequent adulterations, and it is necessary to observe great caution in purchasing in order to procure a genuine article. The most certain test of pure saffron is concentrated sulphuric acid. It instantly changes the color of pure saffron to indigo blue. Saffron is prepared the same way as turmeric, and is used for coloring Sherry and Madeira.

Rhatany Is the root of a plant which grows in Peru. It is without smell, but has a bitter and very astringent taste. The powder is of a reddish color, which is extracted by infusion in alcohol, 95 per cent. Rhatany is used to color and impart an astringent taste to Port wine, and must be used with judgment and caution by parties employing it for that purpose, as too much of it will make the wine too astringent.

Alkanet.

This is the root of a plant which grows in the South of Europe. Its coloring principle may be extracted by infusing it 48 hours in alcohol, 95 per cent, and also by decocting it in boiling water. It yields a fine deep red color by either of these methods. Alkanet is used to color Port wine, and is much prized for that purpose. Red Saunders.

This tree is a native of India. The wood has little taste or smell.. It imparts a red color to alcohol, but not to water. Red Saunders is used for coloring Port wine. Infuse 6 lbs. 48 hours in 12 gals. alcohol, 95 per cent.