Wash and rinse thoroughly in hot soap water, and rinse in about four
waters to remove any particle of soap that may adhere to the feathers;
next prepare bath of one gallon of hand warm water, and add a handful
of starch. Enter feathers and rub thoroughly between the hands; remove
and add to bath a few drops of diluted violet, according to shade
required; add about two drops of diluted saffranine, and re-enter
feathers, let remain in bath about three minutes, squeeze out and dry
in powdered starch in the usual way. Be sure your starch is clean and
free from acid, and also that your board is in the same condition.
Great care should be exercised to see that every particle of the violet
is dissolved to avoid spots on the feathers. Should quite a bluish
shade be desired, a drop of diluted aniline green added will produce
the desired result.