three or four times the magnitude that they are ever seen elsewhere. These Gylongs reside in convents, and observe celibacy to all appearance strictly and even cheerfully. The task of continuing the species seems considered as a mean drudgery, fit only for the lower ranks, to whom it is abandoned. All that is great in church and state, is unmarried. There are two rival sects called Gyllookpa, and Shamar or Shaman. The former, after a struggle, prevailed in Thibet and Bootan, though their adversaries are now tolerated, and have several great monasteries in that country. They have spread themselves also extensively over Tartary, where the Shaman worship is now prevalent. The Thibetians still view Hindostan as the original source of their religion and learning; and Benares, Jaggernaut, and Sagur, as the places to which pilgrimage is most meritorious.

The people of Teshoo Loomboo did not appear to have any use of arms, and trusted for protection solely to the religious veneration with which they inspired the neighbouring nations. They were in a certain dependence upon the Chinese, whom they viewed with mingled fear and aversion. The character of the people is very favourably painted. They are represented as humane, mild, obliging, unassuming in superiors, respectful in inferiors. The most remarkable feature is the form of polygamy, which gives several husbands Gg

VOL. II.

to one female. All the brothers of a family, however numerous, are accustomed to have only one wife. Major Turner oddly conjectures, that marriage is considered here so heavy a burden, that a family are willing to lighten it by sharing it among them. The wife is the mistress of the house, and meets with more respect than in India; and so far as could be learned, this species of household goes on in general with great harmony.

On his return home, Major Turner stopped at the monastery of Terpaling, where he had the satisfaction of being admitted to an interview with the infant Teshoo Lama. They found this youthful prince and priest seated on a pile of silk cushions, with his father and mother by his side. He behaved with the most wonderful propriety. On their entrance he turned to them with a look of complacency, and while they continued in the room, kept his eyes fixed on them. When their cups were emptied of tea, he shewed evident uneasiness till they were again replenished. Major Turner having walked up and made a speech to him, the little creature kept his eye fixed upon him, and made repeated and gracious movements of the head. What private training there might have been, could not be known; but, though the father and mother were present, the child made reference for directions, neither to them, nor to any one else. He was eighteen months old, with

good features, small black eyes, and an animated expression. The officers of the household assured the embassy, that he had the same predilection for their nation which he had so strongly manifested in his state of pre-existence; and that in his infant lispings, an attempt to utter the word English could be clearly recognized. They took leave, promising to pay another visit, at a time when the Lama should be better able to express these sentiments.

CHAPTER III.

ACCOUNTS OF NEPAUL.

Kirkpatrick.-Hamilton.

FROM that ridge of snow-clad summits which shuts in the northern frontier of Hindostan, the descent to the great plain is by a long range of mountain territory from 80 to 100 miles in breadth. The tribe which inhabits it, possessing the hardy and warlike character usual to mountaineers, were well calculated to render themselves formidable to the peaceful and effeminate inhabitants of the Gangetic provinces. The Patans, in fact, are numbered among the most powerful enemies which the Mogul emire, in its flourishing state, had to encounter. For a long period this territory, split among a number of petty chiefs, and occupied with its own internal dissensions, acted no conspicuous part in the general theatre of India. Between the years 1765 and 1769, however, events occurred, which placed it in a more formidable attitude. The valley of Nepaul, the most fertile and populous of these districts, was invaded from the north-west by the king of

This

Gorkha, the warlike population of whose territories was reinforced by that of many neighbouring mountain chiefs, whom he had drawn to his standard. Though at first repulsed, he carried on during four years a series of attacks, which ended in his becoming complete master of this central part of the territory of Nepaul. great acquisition, joined to the former territory, gave to the Gorkhalis a decided superiority over the other mountain chiefs, and they employed it in reducing successively those situated to the east and the west. The kingdom in this extended state, united under a vigorous and ambitious government, began to attract the notice of the neighbouring nations. The first striking occasion was the dispute in which it engaged with the Dalai Lama, or ruler of Thibet, in consequence of which the Gorkhalis invaded that territory, and plundered several of its most important shrines. The Chinese government, however, judged it expedient now to interfere, and sent a force for the protection of Lassa. Under its mediation, a peace was concluded, by which the Lama agreed to pay a tribute of 50,000 rupees; but as this stipulation was soon neglected, the Gorkhalis quickly recommenced hostilities. The Chinese now coming for. ward on a great scale, with an army of 40,000 men, not only repelled the invasion of the Nepaul troops, but pursued them into their own territory, and