oct. — dec. 1857.] Oils of Southern India. 



35 



which in consequence of the irregular supply of olive oil makes it 

 a valuable acquisition, the only objection to its employment being 

 its highly drastic property." (Simmonds.) 



No. 17. Piney tallow. (Valeria Indica.) 



The Valeria Indica or Doopada tree, grows plentifully in the jun- 

 gles of the western coasts, and besides the product under consideration 

 yields a resin nearly equal to copal, and a valuable building wood. 

 The oil which is perfectly solid even in hot climates, is prepared by 

 cleaning the seeds, then roasting and grinding them into amass. To 

 five seers of seed 12 seers of water are added, and the whole is boiled 

 until the oil rises to the surface. Remove the oil, stir the contents 

 of the vessel and allow it to stand until the following day, when a 

 further portion of oil will be found on the surface. 



This substance has been pronounced by the Railway Agent very 

 suitable for the lubrication of the wheels and axles of Railway car- 

 riages, it is not however at present procurable in sufficient quantity 

 to be used for that purpose, except to order. It is equally appli- 

 cable to the manufacture of soap and candles. The next mention- 

 ed oil is very similar in quality to the above. 



No. 18. Gamboge Butter. (Garcinia pictoria.) 



A semi solid oil obtained from the seeds of the Garcinia pictoria, 

 growing abundantly in certain parts of Mysore and in the Western 

 coast jungles, especially near Cooly Droog. The oil which is pro- 

 curable in moderate quantities, is prepared by pounding the seed in* 

 a stone mortar, and boiling the mass until the butter or oil rises to 

 the surface ; or by first roasting the seeds, and then proceeding as 

 above. Two and a half measures of seed should yield one and a 

 half seers of butter. , 



In the Nugger division of Mysore it is sold at the rate of As. 1-4 

 per seer of 24 Rs, weight, or £36-6 per ton, it is used as a lamp oil, 

 and by the poorer classes as a substitue for ghee. The butter thus 

 prepared does not seem to possess any of the purgative properties of 

 the Gamboge resin. 



