The Institutes of Akbar 65.2.3

65.2.3

14. Azfár uttíb, or scented finger nails, are called in Hind. Nakh, and in Persian Nákhun i búyá. It is the house of an animal, consisting, like a shell, of two parts. They have a good smell, as the animal feeds on sumbuls, and are found in the large rivers of Hindustan, Başrah, and Baḥrain, the latter being considered the best. They are also found in the Red Sea, and many prefer them to the other kinds. They warm them in butter; others expose them afterwards to the fire, pound them, and mix them with other perfumes. 15. Sugandh gúgálá (bdellium) is a plant very common in Hindustan; it is used in perfumes. As I have said something on perfumes, I shall make a few remarks on several beautiful flowers. 1. The Séwtí resembles the Gul i Surkh, but is smaller. It has in the middle golden stamens, and from four to six petals. Habitat, Gujrát and the Dek’han. 2. Of the Chambélí there are two kinds. The Rái Chambélí has from five to six petals, outside red. The Chambélí proper is smaller, and has on the top a red stripe. Its stem is one and a half or two yards high, and hangs over the ground. It has many long and broad branches. It flowers from the first year. 3. The Rái bél resembles the jasmin. There are various kinds; some are simple, double, &c. A quintuple is very common, so that each petal might be separated as a distinct flower. Its stem grows a yard high. The leaves of the tree resemble those of the orange tree; but they are somewhat smaller and softer.