‘To these queries, the fiend, through the mouth of the _possessed_, makes answer, “Be it known to you, that I inhabit a certain tree,” specifying one in the neighbourhood; “and that, being on my rambles, in passing this female, I espied her body to be _pure_ and _undefiled_, and fit for habitation; therefore I entered into it.” The fiend now offers to quit his habitation, if it be the _bhagut’s_ pleasure; which, after some ceremony, is done. The doctor now receives his fee, and, were it not for the fear of spoiling trade, before his departure, probably would advise the husband not to permit his wife to have too long intervals of undefilement in future, lest the devil should again take possession of her! ‘When speaking of the ornamental parts of the ladies’ dress, mention was not made of their blackening the eyelids with antimony. This practice is supposed, besides giving additional brilliancy to the eyes, to preserve and improve the sight. But, as in that country there is no antimony to be found, they employ in its stead a lead ore, unconscious of the difference; while such, as cannot even afford the ore, use _caugull_, or lamp-black. One reason given for this predilection to antimony is, that, when Mount-Sinai was set on fire by lightning from above, the whole was transfused into that semi-metal; thence their belief that it is not to be found in any other region of the earth. It will naturally be supposed, that this is a singular story, gaining belief only among the ignorant; but, though their men of learning, and science, cannot be comprized under that appellation, yet it may once for all be observed, that all their ridiculous tales, of which they have abundance, gain equal credit among people of all ranks. Rich and poor, learned and unlearned, the _cazee_ and tipstaff, the _peer_ and _mooreed_, are equally credulous, and very few, if any, instances indeed will be found, wherein they are above the most preposterous prejudices; still, many from interest, and some who choose not to encounter the taunts of Europeans, will, in their presence, affect to be free from the prejudices of the vulgar. ‘Besides the antimony to the eyes, the women apply a black stain to the teeth, called _missee_: it is made of the rust of iron and _kurra_ compounded.[19] It is, in fact, ink-powder: for the _kurra_ is a _nut_ equally astringent with galls. The powder is rubbed on, or rather between, the teeth, and leaves a black stain, which is deemed both a preservation and an ornament to them. The use of the plant _hinna_,[20] has been described by travellers in all Eastern countries. The leaves are pounded and mixed up into a paste, which is applied to their nails, palms, and soles; after an adherence of a few hours, it is shaken off, and leaves a beautiful red stain, which lasts many days. It is supposed to have a cooling quality. ----- Footnote 19: Likewise a preparation of _kino_. Footnote 20: Called _mehendy_, or _mindy_, in Moors. -----