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

BOOT AN. 185forming itself to the shape of the summit, the slope all round beginningfrom the foundation of its walls. The approach to the only entrance,is defended by three round towers, placed between the castle and thefoot of the hill, and connected together by a double wall ;so that a safecommunication between them is preserved, even in times of the greatestperil.Around each of these towers, near the top, a broad ledge projects,the edges of which are fortified by a mud wall, with loop holesadapted to the use of the bow and arrow, or of muskets.On the northof the castle are two round towers that command the road from Tibet.On the east side the rock is rough and steep ; and close under thewalls on the west, is a large bason of water, the only reservoir I hadyet seen in Bootan.The castle of Dukka-jeung isa very substantial stone building, withhigh walls ; but so irregular in its figure, that it is evident, no otherdesign was followed in its construction, than to cover all the levelspace upon the top of the hill on which it stands. Having ascended tothe gateway at the foot of the walls, we had stillto mount about a dozensteps through anarrow passage, after which we landed upon a semicircularplatform, edged with a strong wall, pierced with loop holes.Turning to the right, we passed through a secondgateway, and wentalong a wide lane, with stables for horses on each side. The thirdgateway conducted us to the interior of the fortress, being a largesquare, the angles of which had three suites of rooms. In the centreof the square, was a temple dedicated to Mahamoonie and his concomitantidols.During the night, a light sprinkling of snow had fallen below in