Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

182 CARE PRACTISED IN

will still find the benefit of employment in their
gold embroidery of bags and trimmings, or other
ornamental needlework ; some will listen to the
Khaaunie (tales), related by their attendants;
others will overlook, and even assist in the pre-
parations going forward for opening the fast.
Ladies of the first quality do not think it a
degradation to assist in the cooking of choice
dishes. It is one of the highest favours a lady
can confer on her friends, when she sends a
tray of delicate viands cooked by her own hands.
So that with the prayers, usual and occasional,
the daily nap of two hours, indulged in through-
out the year, occupation is made to fill up the day
between dawn and evening ; and they bear the
fatigue with praiseworthy fortitude. Those who
' are acquainted with letters, or can afford to
maintain hired readers, pass this month of trials
in the happiest manner.

The fast is first broken by a cooling draught
called tundhie; the same draught is usually
resorted to in attacks of fever. The tundhie is
composed of the seeds of lettuce, cucumber,
and melon, with coriander, all well pounded