$0 



Oils of Southern India, [no. 5, new series, 



" The stalks of this seed grew strong, and ranged from two to three 

 feet. No opportunity has as yet been afforded of converting the stems 

 into flax, and as the stackage will not deteriorate from their quali- 

 ty, opportunity may he found to complete the experiment. 



u Major Wormald, from past experience, considers the soil in the 

 Mulleer Valley particularly suited for the growth of Linseed and 

 Flax, and feels confident that if cultivated on a large scale a for- 

 tune might soon be realized. 



" The ten-fold yielding of this valuable seed in the Mulleer valley, 

 owing to rich soil, should operate as an inducement to the Com- 

 missioner to promote the growth of an article, that bids fair to make 

 so respectable a figure in the revenue of the Province. The sample 

 we have seen appears to possess the properties of the best kind. 

 The seeds are small, bright, grayish-brown, slippery, elongated 

 bodies, containing a full amount of that mealy, oleaginous albumen, 

 which yields the oil in such abundance. In short we consider the 

 specimen we have seen as well worthy the attention of those whose 

 hearts are with the prosperity of Scinde." 



No. 8. Ramtill oil. (Verbesima sativa or Guizotia olei/era.) 



This sweet tasted edible oil is plentiful in the Mysore, Vizaga- 

 patam, Nagpore and Ganjam districts. It is used for nearly the 

 same purposes as the Gingeley oil, and from its inferior quality and 

 low price is frequently used to adulterate both this and Castor oil. 

 It is exported from Ganjam. 



The oil is said to mix with colors as well as linseed and to dry 

 without litharge, although a little improves it. 



No. 9. Mustard oil. (Sinapis varieties.) Improperly called 

 " Rape" in India. 



Five or six kinds of Sinapis are cultivated in various parts of 

 Southern India. The seed is chiefly used as a condiment, but the 

 oil which is sometimes extracted is much prized by the Natives, and 

 apart from its edible qualities is supposed to possess many virtues. 

 The different kinds of seed yield from 28 to 36 per cent, of a bright 

 yellow edible oil, having a strong smell and a slight taste of mustard. 

 The average price of Mustard seed in eighteen large stations, in all 



