SE8AMUM INDICUM. 



37 



is worked by a single bullock, which has its eyes blind-folded to prevent, so it is said, 

 giddiness. The animal is generally driven by a man or boy seated on the revolving 

 beam, but a well trained bullock may often be seen patiently going its round with- 

 out any one to look after it. Oil pressing is the peculiar occupation of a caste of 

 men called telis, who are usually remunerated for the labour of pressing by receiving 

 the oil cake and a wage of grain equal in weight to the oil expressed. The oil cake is 

 used as cattle food, and in the western districts is much prized on this account, there 

 being a considerable traffic in it. It is reported to be even occasionally used as human 

 food by the poorer classes in times of distress. 



Tili oil is not only eaten raw after the manner of other oil, but is also commonly 

 used in the manufacture of sweetmeats and in the adulteration of ghi. It is occasion- 

 ally used for lighting, and gives a clearer light than other vegetable oils, but burns more 

 rapidly. Anointing the body is another use to which it is applied either in the crude 

 state, or scented when it is termed phalel. The perfuming is effected by keeping 

 the seeds between alternate layers of strong scented flowers, such as the chambeli 

 (species of Jasminuni) and keora {Fandanus odoratissimus). By this means the scent 

 becomes communicated to the oilseed and fixed in the oil, which is subsequently pressed 

 out in the ordinary manner. Good phalel commands as high a price as Es. 160 per 

 maund. 



Explunation of Plate XLII. 

 ]. Capsule, vertical section of (nat. size). | 2, 3, & 4. Different views of the flower (all nat. size). 



Drawn from a living specimen gathered at Saharanpur. 



