Naturally gray feathers may be used unbleached, but only for very
deep shades as the bottom color acts dulling upon the dye, and
brilliant colors can only be obtained upon a pure white bottom. Scour,
respectively bleach well, and rinse clean. Prepare a hot bath to which
add some filtered solution of methyl violet, according to tone, that
is, more or less blue, enter the feathers and work until cool, then add
gradually more dyestuff solution according to shade while raising the
temperature to near the boiling point and continue at this temperature
until the desired shade is nearly obtained. If too blue, tone with a
little solution of fuchsine S. Towards the end of the operation take
up the feathers, add some alum to the bath, and when it is dissolved,
shut off the steam, re-enter the feathers and work to shade for about
ten minutes. Then lift, rinse and dry.