There are numerous methods of producing this most beautiful, yet
simple, shade. Any yellow substance in conjunction with oxalic acid can
be used with more or less fair success. A great many dyers use a few
drops of diluted logwood, developed with the aid of oxalic acid. The
color this produces is very satisfactory when finished, but no sooner
is it exposed to strong light than the color becomes a dirty drab
shade, caused by the acid leaving the feathers, the logwood becoming
oxidized.
The best and most permanent shade of cream color is obtained in the
following manner: Thoroughly wash and rinse your feathers to remove
every particle of dirt, for it is as necessary to have the feathers
clean as if they were for a white, and if they are very dirty or old
faded out colors, put them through the permanganate of potash process,
and then remove all color. Prepare bath of one gallon of luke warm
water and a small handful of starch; enter feathers and rub around in
bath between the hands; meantime dilute in about one pint of boiling
water a small five-cent package of essence of coffee (commonly called
chicory), and boil for a few minutes; then add a few drops of the
liquid to the bath, and add thereto a teaspoonful of oxalic acid.
Re-enter feathers and let remain in bath about one minute, constantly
moving them around; after which squeeze them out and dry, either in
starch or on a clean board.
The result will be a rich and permanent cream. Should a pink or
brownish tint be required to match sample, a drop of Bismarck brown
added to bath will produce the desired result; or if wanted a little
more yellow, a few grains of turmeric added to the bath will answer.
[Illustration: CREAM--page 25.]
[Illustration: LIGHT BLUE--page 21.]
[Illustration: LAVENDER--page 38.]
[Illustration: SALMON--page 71.]