XXXll 



FLORA ODOR AT A 



fragrant blossoms, Avith which Hindu girls are wont to 

 decorate their raven hair. 



Who has not read the mythological tale of the inception of 

 that delicate perfume styled ' Attar of Roses ' which is thus 

 related in Arabian Researches : — Novrjehun Begum, the 

 favourite wife of Jehan-Geer, was on one occasion walking in 

 her garden, through which ran a canal, kept constantly 

 flowing with rose-water, when she remarked some oily par- 

 ticles floating on the surface, these were collected, and their 

 aroma found to be so delicious that means Avere devised to 

 produce the precious essence in a regular way. 



The Bera festival is an occasion when scented flowers are 

 used in the greatest profusion, and we extract the following 

 lines from a beautiful poem illustrating these entertain- 

 ments : — 



* The air was filled with the sweet breath of flowers 

 And music awoke the silent hours ; 

 Each brought her perfumed lamp, and swift 

 A thousand lights along the current drift. ' — Mrs. Carshore. 



Another high authority on all Oriental customs clearly 

 alludes in the following beautiful apologue to the launching 

 of their fragrant lamps by Hindu maidens, 



' The Hindu maiden as she throws 

 Sweet Champac, Lotus, Jasmine, Rose, 

 Prays for a moment's peace or wealth, 

 Prays for a child's success or health. 

 For a fond husband breathes a prayer, 

 For happiness their loves to share. ' — ^Horace Wilson. 



In tropical climates the perfumes emitted by many plants 

 arc far stronger than in our own land, and when Europeans 

 first visit India they are usually quite overpowered by these 

 influences, especially of the large Jasmines and the Henna. 

 The fragrance at early dawn of Eastern flowers is described 



