508 ACCOUNT OF BASSIA BUTYRACEA ; 



the shell of the seed or nut, which is of a fine 

 chesnut ccTlour, smooth, and brittle ; the kernel 

 appears of the size and shape of a blanched almond : 

 the kernels are bruised, on a smoolli stone, to the 

 consistency of cream, or of a fine pulpy matter ; 

 which is then put into a cloth bag, with a mode- 

 rate weight laid on, and left to stand, till the 

 oil, ox fat, is expressed, which becomes immedi^ 

 ately of the consistency of hog's-lard, and is of a 

 delicate white colour. Its uses are in medicine ; 

 being highly esteemed in rheumatism, and con- 

 tractions of the limbs. It is also much esteemed, 

 and used by natives of rank, as an unction, for 

 which purpose, it is generally mixed with an Utr 

 of some kind. Except the fruit, which is not 

 much esteemed, no other part of the tree is used. 



This tree is supposed to bear a strong affinity 

 to the Mawa, (Madhuca, or Bassia latifolia;) but 

 the oil or fat, extracted from the seeds, differs 

 very materially. The oil from the Maxva, is of a 

 greenish-} ellow colour, and seldom congeals. That 

 from the Phulwah congeals, immediately after ex- 

 pression, is perfectly colourless ; and, in the hot' 

 test weather, if melted by art, will, on being left 

 to cool, resume its former consistency. The oil 

 from the seed of the Matva, if rubbed on woollen 

 cloth, leaves as strong a stain as other oils or ani- 

 mal fat. The fatty substance from the Phulwah^ 

 if pure, beir\^rubbed on woollen cloth, will leave 

 no trace behind. 



The oil of Mawa is expressed in considerable 

 quantities, about Cawnpoor, and Furruckabad, and 

 being mixed with, is sold as ghee. 



This fatty substance very rarely comes pure from 



