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served in small glass bottles. One hundred pounds of roses sel- 

 dom yield more than from two to three ounces of this precious 

 essence, which it is difficult to procure unadulterated; as the dis- 

 tillers frequently put sandal-wood, scented-grass, and other oily 

 plants into the still, which depreciate the value and debase the 

 fragrance of the rose. The genuine ottar is of different colours, 

 sometimes green, frequently of a bright yellow like amber, and 

 often of a reddish hue; the rose water which remains is generally 

 very good. There may be other methods of extracting this first of 

 all perfumes, in different countries. 



About a mile from Shah-bhaug, is a large well, or rather a 

 noble reservoir, constructed by a nurse to one of the kings of Gu- 

 zerat, and still called the " Nurse's well." A grand flight of steps 

 leads to the water, through double rows of pillars and pilasters, 

 elegantly finished, far below the surface of the earth. This reser- 

 voir is all of hewn stone, surrounded by galleries, ascended by 

 circular steps and a dome supported by light columns over each; 

 these galleries communicate with the principal stairs, and add to the 

 general magnificence. Upwards of thirty thousand pounds were 

 expended on this munificent work; which some attribute to the 

 nurse, and others to a rich dancing-girl, who erected it with the pro- 

 duce of one of her ancle-jewels; the other she is reported to have 

 thrown into the water, to reward the search of the diver; from 

 that deep abyss it has never been recovered. This ridiculous 

 anecdote appears very inconsistent with the good sense and bene- 

 volence of the female, who not only dug this beautiful reservoir, 

 but also founded a handsome mosque near it, where her body is 

 deposited under a costly tomb. 



