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

416 TIBET.In Thibet, the natives are more subject to sore eyes, and blindness,than in Boutan. The high winds, sandy soil, and glare from the reflectionof the sun, both from the snow and sand, account for this.I have dwelt long on this subject, because I think the knowledgeand observations of these people on the diseases of their country, withtheir medical practice, keep pace with a refinement and state of civilization,which struck me with wonder, and, no doubt, will give rise tomuch curious speculation, when known to be the manners of a people,holding so little intercourse, with what we term civilized nations.December 1.Left Tishoolumboo, and found the cold increase everyday, as we advanced to the southward, most of the running watersfrozen, and the pools covered with ice strong enough to carry. Ourthermometer having only the scale as low as 16°, we could not preciselydetermine the degree of cold,the quicksilver being under thatevery morning. The frost is certainly never so intense in GreatBritain.On our return to the lakes, the 14th, we found them desertedby the water fowl, and were infonned, that they had been one solidpiece of ice since the 10th of November. .Here we resumed ouramusement of skating, to the great astonishment of the natives andBengal servants.On the 17th, we re-entered Boutan, and in six days more arrivedat Punukha by Paraghon.No snow or host to be met with in Boutan,except towards the tops of their highest mountains ;the thermometerrising to 36° in the morning,, and 48° at noon.Took leave of the Debe Rajah, and on the 12th arrived at Buxaduar-