=(3) Zinc-Bisulphite Indigo Vat.=--When zinc dust and bisulphite of soda are mixed together a reaction sets in, the zinc dissolves, and there is formed sodium hydrosulphite and zinc and sodium sulphites. If now indigo is mixed with this solution the sodium hydrosulphite exerts a reducing action on it, forming white indigo and sodium sulphite, a perfectly clear solution being obtained, which may be used in dyeing cotton or wool. With this vat it is customary to prepare a strong stock solution of reduced indigo, and to add this to the dyeing vats as may be required. _To Make the Stock Liquor._--Take 20 lb. of indigo, grind into a paste with 20 gallons of boiled water, then add 25 lb. lime slaked into a milk. In a separate tub there is mixed 80 lb. bisulphite of soda, 70 deg. Tw., with 9 lb. zinc dust; this mixture is well stirred and every care taken to prevent it getting hot. When the zinc has dissolved and the mixture is free from any sulphurous smell it is run into the indigo mixture given above. The whole is well stirred together for some time, and then at intervals, until the indigo has become dissolved, sufficient water is added to make up 50 gallons, when the stock liquor will be ready. It should have a deep yellow colour. The surface may have a scum of a bronzy colour collect on it. This stock liquor should be kept in casks free from exposure to the air. To make the working vat from this stock liquor the following is the method of proceeding:-- Water is run into the vat, and this is heated from 70 deg. to 80 deg. C. in order to expel air from it, after which it may be allowed to cool, then for each 1,000 gallons contained in the vat there is added 30 lb. bisulphite of soda, 3 lb. zinc dust and 3 lb. lime, made into a cream. When all these ingredients are dissolved a quantity of the stock liquor is added in proportion to the shade that it is desired to dye. The whole is well stirred, then the vat is allowed to rest for half an hour to enable any sediment to settle, and then the dyeing is proceeded with. Should the vat show signs of becoming green in colour it is a good plan to add a mixture of 1 lb. zinc dust and 10 lb. bisulphite of soda. The vat should be kept alkaline, and so a little lime may be added from time to time. After a day's work it is well to add a little of the zinc and bisulphite mixture, to stir well and allow to stand overnight; the next morning strengthen up the vat by adding fresh stock liquor. In place of using lime in making up the vat it is possible to use a mixture of caustic soda and ammonia. The lime will tend to cause some sediment to form in the vat, whereas the soda and ammonia will not. When they are used the following mode of working may be followed:--