496 On the Meteors of August \Oth } 1839. [June, 



the horizon as the former ones. The magnitude and brilliancy of this 

 body was nearly like that of the planet Venus, as seen at present ; its 

 bright train being thickly strewed with sparkling points without pro- 

 gressive motion. Between this time and half-past eleven six others ap- 

 peared, some to the westward and others to the eastward of the meridian, 

 but much less conspicuous for magnitude and brilliancy than the two 

 last described, and only one of them which appeared about 20° to the 

 west having a train. 



The general facts observable regarding them were these, — First, they 

 all appeared at points in or near the prime vertical. Secondly, their 

 common vanishing limit was about 30° above the horizon. Thirdly, 

 their paths appeared to be parallel and lying from north to south. 

 Fourthly, their velocities appeared to be equal. 



I may mention, in conclusion, that no sound Was observable either 

 on their appearance, progress, or disappearance. 



I am, Sir, yours truly, 

 Calcutta, J. MIDDLETON, 



16th August, 1839. Hindu College. 



Art. VI. — Note to the Editors on the Native mode of preparing the per- 

 fumed Oils of Jasmine and Beta. By Dr. Jackson, Ghazeepore. 



In my last communication on the subject of Rose-water, I informed 

 you that the natives here were in the habit of extracting the scent from 

 some of the highly smelling flowers, such as the Jasmine, &c, and that I 

 would procure you a sample, and give you some account of the manner 

 in which it is obtained. By the present Steamer I have dispatched two 

 small phials containing some of the Oil procured from the Jasmine and 

 the Bela flower. For this purpose the natives never make use of distilla- 

 tion, but extract the essence by causing it to be absorbed by some of 

 the purest oleaginous seeds, and then expressing these in a common 

 mill, when the oil given out has all the scent of the flower which has 

 been made use of. The plan adopted, is to place on the ground a 

 layer of the flower, about four inches thick and two feet square ; over 

 this they put some of the Tel or Sesamum seed wetted, about two inches 

 thick, and two feet square ; on this again is placed another layer of 

 flowers, about four inches thick, as in the first instance ; the whole is then 

 covered with a sheet, which is held down by weights at the ends and 

 sides. In this state it is allowed to remain from twelve to eighteen 

 hours ; after this the flowers are removed, and other layers placed in the 



