Some paper is of a pure gold colour, the result of a property inherent
in the leaf itself and needing no extraneous application.
I have told you that the coarse paper is made with leaves of every
description mixed together. On one occasion some of the paper, when
dried, became speckled with gold in different parts, presenting a
beautiful appearance, which astonished the overseer and workmen. The
paper was brought to me, and I directed the overseer to endeavour to
detect in future processes the cause of these beautiful specks. Many
trials were made, but he did not for months find any gold in the paper.
I meditated much on the subject, and one night I retired to rest with
the singular phenomenon still in my mind. In my sleep I saw my tree, the
Allmanyuka, all gold.
On awaking I immediately sent for the overseer, and, without relating
what I had seen in my sleep, I told him that I was impressed with the
belief that it was the leaf of my tree that produced the gold specks,
and requested him to have some paper made entirely from the Allmanyuka
leaf, and to use the most delicate machine for the experiment.
Though accustomed to obey my orders in implicit faith, the overseer
confessed to me afterwards that for certain reasons he had great cause
to doubt whether the experiment would succeed. It, however, was
commenced without delay. The pulp, or jelly, after having passed through
the process of boiling, was of a neutral tint, without the least
appearance of gold, and all hope of the desired colour vanished in the
thought of the workmen. It was, indeed, reported to me that no golden
tint was apparent; but I did not yet despair.
When the pulp was spread out with the trowel, it remained still
colourless, but after it had undergone the process of pressing, which
generally took place immediately before sponging, it presented to the
astonished workmen the appearance of one sheet of gold; and when it had
been exposed to the sun, it acquired the highest golden polish possible.
The material thus obtained is finer than cambric, and is used for
beautiful scarfs, sun-turbans, neckties for ladies, slippers, covers,
cushions, and various ornamental articles.