] 10 ANSKMT MATLK1A JlfiMCA. 



and apply round the orbit in inflammatory affections uE the eyes. 1 

 Itpsot mixed with honey may also be used in the same way. An 

 emulsion of rasof made with milk ia recommended lo be poured 

 into the eyes, or used as a eollyrium for relieving pain, burning 

 and lachrymation. 2 



NAT. ORDER. NYMPH/EACE4:. 



NELUMBIL'M SPECIOSUM. 



NYMPH J] A LOTUS ETC. 



Tn BSJB bcautifal aquatic plants had attracted the attention of 

 the ancient Hindus from a very remote period, and obtained a 



_ 



place in their religious ceremonies and mythological fables ; hence 

 they are described in great detail by Sanskrit writers. The flowers 

 of Nehmbium &pecwmm y called Padma or Kamala, are sacred to 

 Lakflhmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The white variety 

 of this plant is called Pvndarika, the red, Kohanada and the 

 blue, ImUvara. The entire plant including root, stem and flower 

 is called Padmim. The torus or receptacle for the seed is, called 

 Ka iikdra, and the honey formed in the flowers, Maharanda. The * 

 filaments round the base of the receptacle, pass by the name of 

 Kinjalbf and the leaf stalk by that of Urindla. The species of 

 Xymphma described, are as follows : 



Kympfam Lqtm. Kwnuda, Sans. Bdluka. Beng. Koi. Hind. 



h'ympfum stellata. Nilotpala, Sam. miiaphld, Seng. 



S'jmplicea rubra. Baktotpala, 8am. llakiab.nnbul, Beng. 



The root-stocks of these water plants contain a sort of starch, 

 and are eaten by the poorer classes. During the famine of 186* • 



in Orissa, they were much sought after by the starving people. 



«WW: II 



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