IRAS sources in the Sgr I window

IRAS detected a number of sources in the Sgr I clear window which looks onto the inner galactic bulge at about 3^○ from the centre. Several of these sources could readily be identified with known mira variables. It is shown here that all but one of the remainder are probably also miras or mira-like variables. Of these, half are of long period but are otherwise normal, while the other half are heavily obscured by their own shells. It is estimated that, throughout the Galaxy, mass loss from the late-type variables similar to those found in the Sgr I field contributes about $$0.4\enspace M_\odot\enspace \text {yr}^{-1}$$ to the interstellar medium.