196 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
resolving the material into a certain earth, fused 
with twenty-four parts of tin and one of copper. 
This scientific traveller has given a minute descrip- 
tion of the process of moulding and casting the 
vessels ; and he then explains the colour to be given 
by a remarkably ingenious and somewhat mystic 
operation. He says : — “ It consists in taking equal 
parts of muriat of ammonia and saltpetre earth, 
such as is found at the bottom of old mud walls in 
old and populous villages in India , mixing them 
together with water, and rubbing the paste which is 
thus produced upon the vessel, which has been 
previously scraped with a knife.” He adds, — “ The 
change of colour is almost instantaneous, and, what 
is surprising to me, lasting.” 
The method of inlaying the patterns of scrolls and 
flowers with which these articles are always orna- 
mented, is also described by Dr. Heyne, and affords 
a good specimen of native patience and dexterity in 
such matters. 66 As nothing looks handsome in the 
eyes of an Indian, but what is glittering with gold 
and silver, it may be imagined that their hookka and 
beetel -dishes, which are chiefly used on festive* occa- 
sions, are not left destitute of these ornaments ; they 
are chiefly decorated with silver in the forms of 
festoons, fanciful flowers, and leaves. Sometimes I 
* The Doctor of course alludes to daily and hourly festivities ; for 
a native does not willingly pass an hour without his hookka and 
beetel-dan. 
