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

BOOTAN. 195Carpets and cushions were placed ready ; and we were no lesshappy to meet our old acquaintance, the Lama, than to partake of therefreshments he afforded us. We were presented with a profusion of.^fresh rich milk, and a preparation called, in the language of India,,3^' Dhy, which is milk, acidulated by means of buttermilk boiled in it,and kept, till it is slightly coagulated. The Kummuz of the Tartars ismare's milk, prepared by the same process :this is sometimes dried inmasses till it resembles chalk ; and is used to give a relish to the waterwhich they drink, by solution with it.I have been told, that the operationof drying it, is sometimes performed by tying the Dhy tight inbags of cloth, and suspending it under their horses' bellies. We hadalso dried I'ruits, consisting of dates and apricots ; buttered tea wasnot omitted in this repast, nor was itindeed the least acceptable partof it ; for habit had not only rendered this composition agreeable toour tastes, but experience most fully proved, that warm liquids, at alltimes, contribute to alleviate the sensation of fatigue.I was never moredisposed to praise the comfortable practice of the country, havingconstantly observed, that the first object of attention with every man,at the end of a long journey, is to procure himself a dish of hot tea.If you are expected, it is always prepared, and brought to you, themoment you arrive.While we were assembled in the tents, we debated on our futureplan of proceeding :it was at length determined, that the Lama shouldproceed immediately to Phari, to prepare for our arrival ; that Poorugnheer,with some others of the party, should accompany him ;andthat we ourselves should move, on the following afternoon.C c