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

TIBET. 291In my next interview with Soopoon Choomboo, he entertainedme with a description of the gardens, villas, and palaces, of theEmperor of China, and the various entertainments contrived to gratifyand amuse the Teshoo Lama, during his residence at that court. Oneof the first spectacles he noticed^ was a most splendid display of fireworks,exhibited in celebration of the commencement of the new year,which greatly engaged his attention and admiration. This entertainmentcontinued for three successive days, during which time the TeshooLama, in company with the Emperor, was a frequent spectator of theirbeauty and effect.The singular magnificence of some of the imperialgardens, had made an equal impression upon his mind. In one ofthese, according to his description, was a large canal, surrounded withfigures of a giganlic size, representing the signs of the zodiac ; eachfigure, as the sun entered itscorresponding sign, becoming a fountainof water, which continued to play until his passage to the next.An extensive menagery, filled with rare and curious animals^ amongwhich were tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and the wild boar, was equallysuccessful in attracting their notice.He stated also, that the Emperorhad ordered a ship, to be constructed on a large lake, and armed wiihguns, to resemble a first rate man of war. The guns were dischargedon board this ship, to give them an idea of a sea engagement.Feats of horsemanship were not forgotten, with a design to varytheir amusements, and till up the time.China displayed great agility and skill.In these, he said, the people ofWith such a recapitulation ofthe various modes, devised to entertain the Lama, during his residenceat Jehol, did Soopoon Choomboo with much good humour endeavourPP