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

428 TIBET.to the privilege, Teshoo Lama made, in the same manner, suitablereturns to each; an occupation which lasted near forty days. Manyimportunities were used with Dalai Lama, to prolong his stay atTeshoo Loomboo, but he excused himself from incumbering the capitalany longer, with so numerous a concourse of people, as attendedon his movements ; and deeming it expedient to make his absence asshort as possible from the seat of his authority, at the expiration offorty days, he withdrew, with all his suite, to Lassa. The Emperor'sambassadors also received their dismission to return to China ; andthus terminated this famous festival.With respect tothe lately established commercial intercourse, Poorungheerinforms me, that though he returned so early, he found himselfnot the first person, who had arrived at Teshoo Loomboo fromBengal. Many merchants had already brought their commodities tomarket, and others followed, before he left the place. He heard fromno quarter, complaints of impediment or loss ;and concludes, therefore,that all the adventurers met the same easy access, and ready aid,which he himself had experienced.The markets were well stockedwith English and Indian articles, yet not in so great a degree, as tolower the value of commodities, below the prices of the two or threelast preceding years. Bullion was somewhat reduced in worth, incomparison with the year 1783.A pootree, or bulse of gold dust, thesame quantity thatthen sold for twenty, or twenty-one indermillees,was now procurable, of a purer quahty, for nineteen and twentyindermillees.A tarreema, or talent of silver, which was then five hundred, was