spread their weeping limbs and pensile branchlets over
the buildings.* I t is not wild in Sikkim, but imported
there and into Bhotan from Tibet ; it does not thrive
GROUP OF OHAITS AT TAS81DING.
well above 6000 feet elevation. I t is called “ Teilenden
” by the Lepchas, Bhoteas, and Tibetans, and its
fragrant red wood is burnt in the temples.
The Lamas met us on the top of the hill, bringing a
* I was not then aware of this tree having been introduced into England
by the intrepid Mr. Fortune from China; and as I was unable to procure
seeds, which are said not to ripen in Sikkim, it was a great and unexpected
pleasure, on my return home, to find it alive and flourishing at Kew.
noble present o f fow ls , vegetables and oranges, the latter
most acceptable after our long and hot march. The
site is admirably chosen, in the very heart of Sikkim,
commanding a fine view, and having a considerable
river on either side, with the power of retreating to the
convents of Sunnook and Powhungri, which are higher
up on the same spur, and surrounded by forest enough
to conceal an army. Considering the turbulent character
of their neighbours, it is not wonderful that the
monks should have chosen commanding spots, and
good shelter: for the same reason these monasteries
secured views of one another.
We camped on a saddle near the village of Sunnook,
at 4000 feet above the sea; and on the last day of the
year we visited this most interesting monastic establishment
; ascending from our camp by a narrow path, cut
here and there into steps, and passing many rocks
covered with inscriptions, broken walls of mendongs,
and other remains of the via sacra between the village
and temple. At one spot we found a fissure emitting
hot vapour of the temperature of 65^°, that of the air
being about 50°. I t was simply a hole amongst the
rocks; and near the Rungeet a similar one is said to
occur, whose temperature fluctuates considerably with
the season. I t is very remarkable that such an isolated
spring should exist on the top of a ridge, 2800 feet
above the bottom of this deep valley.
The general arrangement on the summit was, first
the Lamas’ houses with small gardens, then three large
temples raised on rudely paved platforms, and beyond
these, a square walled enclosure facing the south, full