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

192 BOOTAN.Tlie variety ol scenery we were presented with this clay, was highlypicturesque and grand.On one spot in particular we viewed, tumblingfrom its source, in the bosom ol a lofty mountain, a copious river,white with foam, and finely contrasted with the dark hued pines,asit rushed over the blackened rock, to meet the Patchieu. We weremet by a prodigious number of passengers, carrying burdens, andwe overtook others, ascending this lofty mountain. They were reallymodels of athletic strength : it was astonishing to behold the firm,large,and well divided muscles of their limbs, which were powerfulindications of the greatdegree, in which laborious exertion conducesto the increase of strength.Although climate may, in some measure,contribute, yet their very muscular appearance is not wiiolly to beascribed to its influence ; for it may be observed, that notwithstandingas we advanced, the climate was supposed to improve, and the atmospherebecame more pure and rare, there being no stagnant waters,and little vegetation, to charge the air with noxious vapours, yet thepeople were much less robust. At the same time I must observe, thatthe Tibetians, always travelling on level ground, carrying a weight ofclothing that bids defiance to the most piercing winds, and wearingthick boots, equally proof against the impression of sharp-pointedrocks, or the penetrability of thawing snow, are neither in size, activity,nor ability to endure fatigue, on a level with the Booteeas ; wlionever go abroad but they must climb an ascent ; and who go thinlyclad, exposing their bare heads to every wind that blows, and trudgingwith naked feet in the most rugged and the smoothest roads.In various places near our path, we saw little parties of Booteeas,