An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

10:: BOOTAN.the mansion, rmiiishiug, even at this high station, in all seasons, anample supply of water for domestic uses. We continued to ascendalong the ridge of themountain, which runs towards the south west,by many steep windings in the path. The hne stately firs that ornamentWandeechy, give place to less noble plants inthese more loffyregions, and vegetation of a dwarfish, hardy species, began to prevailas we approached the summit.Diminutive as Tassisudon, and everyobject that lay below us, now appeared, the valley, rich with highcultivation, diversified with numerous habitations, and watered by thewinding Tehintchieu, presented a beautiful scene, which derived smgulargrandeur from the towering mountains around it, whose sidessustained many solitary cottages, in strange and fantastical positions,the silent abodes of the recluse. In the mean time, some larger antlmore populous settlements of the votaries of religion, were visible invarious parts. TJie most luxuriant trees, 1 observed, clothe the skirts,only of the loftiest mountains : these before us, like others which Ihave seen, carry their heads into an atmosphere, too jure to afibulnourishment to the great and flourishing productions of the vcgetablfekingdom.,Many of the sons of piety plant their dwelhngs in these pure regions,and in general, judiciously abandon the low hollows, with theirputrid and humid exhalations, as best suited to the business ofthe liusbandman.It was with infinite toil that we attained the summit, wherewe found a spacious stone building, surrounded with a high wall,through which there was one gateway.It was for some time debated,whether or not, we should venture tolook within this solitary castle;