In Thibet, the natives are more subject to sore eyes, and blindness,
than in Boutan. The high winds, sandy, soil, and glare from the reflection
of the sun, both from the snow and sand, account for this.
I have dwelt long on this subject, because I think the knowledge
and Observations of these people on the diseases of their country, with,
their medical practice, keep pace with a refinement and state of civilir
zation, which struck me with wonder; and, no doubt, will give rise to
much curious speculation, when known to be the manners of a people,
holding so little intercourse, with what we term civilized nations.
December I. Left Tishoolumboo, and found the cold- increase every
day, as we advanced to the southward, most of the running waters
frozen, and the pools covered with ice strong enough to carry. Our
thermometer having only the scale as low as 16°, we could not precisely
determine the degree of cold, the quicksilver being under that
every morning. The frost is certainly never so intense in Great
Britain. On our return to the lakes, the 14th, we found them deserted
by the water fowl, and were informed, that they had been one solid
piece Vice, since the 10th of November. Here -we resumed our
amusement of skating, to the great astonishment of the natives- and
Bengal servants.
On the 17th, we re-entered Boutan, and in six days more arrived
at Punukha by Paraghon. No snow ox frost to be met with in Boutan,
except towards the tops of their highest mountains; the thermometer
rising to 36° in the morning, and 48° at noon.
Took leave of the Debe Rajah, and on the 12th arrived at Buxaduar.
PART m
L E f ,T E R
' ADDRESSED
THE HON, JOHN MACPHERSON, ESQ.
' GOVERNOR GENERAL OF BENGAL,
CONTAINING
SOME PARTICULARS RELATING TO- THE-JOURNEY OF
POGRUNGHEER TO TESHOO LOOMBOO; *
THE INAUGURATION OF TESHOO LAMA;
AND THE
STATE OF TIBET FROM 1783 TO.L785.