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

TIBET. 225which is too general to be totally rejected, it is not difficult to discoverstrong traces of the universal deluge, though the tradition, as mightnaturally be expected, isobscured by fable, and disfigured by a mixtureof absurdity.Having forded ihe river, and ascended the opposite bank, we alightedat Tehukku, a dependency of Teshoo Loomboo, about two miles shortof the castle of Jhansu, and twelve from Shoohoo.We were hospitablyreceived by the officer who commanded here, and commodiously lodgedin his tents, which were pitched within a small inclosure, formed by adouble row of willows. This spot, because it was green, and had treesupon it, they called a garden. Our host was not deficient in providingtea, mattresses and cushions to repose on, as well as liquors, and plentyof provisions, all in the Tartar style.He was very conversable and communicative,and, like most great talkers, was at no loss for subjectsofcomplaint. He brought me a specimen of rock crystal, taken from asolid rock of the same, about a day's journey hence.It was impure, andfull of flaws ; the largest piece might weigh about ten pounds : onecorner of the mass had enveloped within itan infinite number of blackhairs, crossing each other in all directions. I do not beheve that theyknew this to be, what itreally was, a crystallization of silver.The valley of Jhansu I understood to be particularly famous for themanufacture of woollen cloth, for which there is a very great demand.These cloths, which are confined to two colours, garnet and white, seldomexceed half a yard in breadth : they are woven very thick and close,like our frieze : they are very soft to the touch, for the fleece of theirsheep appears to be remarkably fine, and supplies an excellent material.