1833.1 



Royal Asiatic Society^ 



257 



botanists, with the sesamum, but it is an entirely different plant. Its 

 seed produces an edible oil, which is the great substitute for Ghee 

 (clarified butter), with the poorer classes of the cultivators and the 

 population generally; 12 seers of seed in bulk in a stone mill pro- 

 duce 3 seers, or 6-lbs., of oil in weight, or 25 per cent. Price at Neel- 

 see in April 1825, 20 seers measure for two shillings. The oil-cake 

 is in high esteem for milch-cows ; price at Poona in January 1825, 

 60 seers, or 120-lbs,, for two shillings. Feverish and asthmatic per- 

 sons, and those whose digestions is not strong, cannot eat the karleh 

 oil with impunity. As an edible grain, karleh is only used in acid and 

 pungent condiments. 



Unnoticed in Price Currents. 



Mohha, Maddooddoomah, Mohha ; Bassia latifolia. A handsome 

 forest-tree. The well-known ardent spirit called mowra, is obtained 

 from the inflated fleshy tubes of the corolla. The dried flowers are 

 an article of trade ; they have a slight resemblance to the dried seed- 

 less grape, and are not disagreeable in flavour. The seeds of the fruit 

 produce a thick edible oil. The bark of the tree is used in obtaining a 

 brown colour. Wood of the tree durable, and compact. 



The article is unknown in Price Currents. 



Char, Peeyalah, Peeyal ; Chironjia sapide. A forest tree. The 

 seeds of the fruit are much esteemed for their fine flavour. A medici- 

 nal oil is extracted from them which is considered efficacious in bile 

 and phlegm. Price of the kernels or seeds at Poona, in January 

 and February 1825, 4 pounds, avoirdupois, for two shillings.. 



Unnoticed in Price Currents. 



Cordage Plants* 



Ambaree ; Hibiscus cannahinus. This plant produces an oil-seed i 

 but it is principally cultivated for its bark for cordage. The plant some- 

 times attains the height of 12 feet ; usually 5 or 6. Bark separated by 

 steeping. The bark is called waak. Price at Poona,March,1825,best kind 

 10 -lbs. for two shillings, and second kind 12-lbs.The oil from the seed is 

 scarcely deemed edible ; in pressing it, therefore, the seed is frequent- 

 ly mixed with the seeds of the verbesina and linum. Price of Ambaree 

 seed at Ambagaon, February 1826, 120-lbs. for 2 shillings. Price of the 

 bark or waak, 16-lbs. for two shillings. The length of the fibre is of 

 course proportioned to the growth of the plant. Both cordage and 

 twine made from it are very strong. At present, very little more is 

 cultivated than is required by the farmer himself, for his own use. 



Unnoticed in Price Currents. 



Taag, Shunum, Sun ; Crotolaria juncea. Bengal Hemp. The 

 «taiks are wand>like and 5 or 6 feet long. One hundred bun* 



