145. _GAMBOGE is a yellow resinous gum obtained from a tree_ (Garcinia
cambogia) _which grows in several parts of Camboga or Camboya in the
empire of Tunkin._
_The leaves of this tree are oval, but acute. The flowers have each five
petals, and fifteen stamens: they are solitary, terminate the branches,
and have scarcely any stalks. The fruit is a berry about the size of an
orange._
The name of this gum has been derived from that of the country whence it is
brought. The mode of obtaining it is by puncturing or cutting the branches
of the trees. It issues from the wounds in a fluid state, but soon becomes
hardened by the heat of the sun. After this it is formed into large cakes
or rolls, in which state we receive it.
Gamboge is chiefly used as a pigment. When good, it is of a fine orange
colour; and on being softened with water, is bright yellow, requiring no
preparation previously to being used. It is also given as a medicine; but
its operations being very violent, it should be administered with great
caution.
The dried fruit of the gamboge tree is not unfrequently sent to our
colonies in the East Indies, where it is used in sauces, and with several
kinds of food.
146. _WELD_ (Reseda luteola) _is a plant of the mignionette tribe, used
in dyeing: it grows wild, in barren and uncultivated places, particularly
on coal-pit banks, in several parts of England._
_The leaves are spear-shaped, and entire, with a tooth-like process on
each side of the base. The flowers are yellow, and in long spikes; and
the calyx is divided into four segments._
In some parts of England, particularly in the clothing counties, weld is
cultivated to great extent; and it flourishes in sandy soils that could be
turned to little advantage in any other way. When the plants are ripe, they
are pulled up by the roots, dried, and tied into bundles for use.
The tinging quality of weld resides both in the stems and roots. This
imparts to wool, cotton, mohair, and silk, a very bright and beautiful
yellow colour; and blue cloths, dipped in a decoction of it, become green.
The yellow colour of the paint called _Dutch pink_ is obtained from this
plant.
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