252 EASTERN ladies' TOILETTE. 



tliem. At about eleven a. m. the ladies reclined 

 on their charpoys ; a slave girl fanned each of 

 them, another rubbed and patted the soles of 

 their feet to promote slumber, and they were 

 soon in the land of dreams, their attendants 

 following the example. About two o'clock in 

 the afternoon they arose, bathed, and com- 

 menced their toilettes. Tliis process was a 

 very elaborate one, and occupied fully three 

 hours, as the ladies of the East are quite as 

 fond of dress and ornaments as their sisters of 

 the West. Their hair was combed and braided 

 by their handmaids, who appeared to take great 

 delight in the task. The combs were of sandal 

 wood, and queer-looking combs they are, but 

 still they answer the purpose very well. The 

 oil used for their hair is that extracted from 

 mustard seed, the rank odour of ;^diich is in 

 some measure, though not altogether, counter- 

 acted by some strong perfume, with which it is 

 scented for toilet purposes. Attar of roses is, 

 perhaps, too delicate a perfume for Beloochee 

 noses, as my informant never saw any at Khyr- 

 poor, but sandal wood oil was in great request. 

 Musk is also much prized, as is rose water, 

 essence of jasmyn, and orange flowers. The 



