498 Mr. S. Davis on the Religious and Social 



castle in an unfrequented place, about a day's journey from thence, among 

 the mountains.* 



The second order of the inhabitants of Boutan, called Zeen-Caabs, are, 

 like the priests, received when young from flimilies in the country, and 

 bred up in the public castles or palaces. Their department lies in the per- 

 formance of more active duties, and they are very properly styled " servants 

 of government." They attend at the public buildings to see that provi- 

 sions, firewood, and other necessaries are supplied regularly by the country 

 peoj)le, and, in short, superintend every public service of labour, which 

 they themselves, however, are exempted from. Two of these, attended by 

 some of tlie superior class, were on the deputation from the Deib Rajah to 

 the government of Bengal. Another was sent to escort us from Buxaduar 

 to Tacissudon, and to see that we were properly accommodated upon the 

 road ; and one was stationed in waiting at our dwelling when we arrived, 

 to be always at hand when any thing was wanted. In war, this class arm 

 themselves and take the field, and are esteemed those on whom the Rajah 

 can most depend for attachment, activity, and courage. They seldom ar- 

 rive at any office or government of importance, such appointments being 

 always occupied by the priests. They marry and possess farms, and are 

 appointed to preside in some of the inferior districts ; but are expected to 

 be ready when called upon for duty, either at the palace or in the field. 

 None of them, however, while residing in the public building where the 

 Gylongs are lodged, can possibly have tlie society of his family ; no females 

 being admitted, except in the day time as coolies with loads, to stay no 

 longer than is necessary for the dispatch of the business they are employed on. 

 The gates of these buildings are regularl}' closed every evening about dusk. 



The third class, or cultivators, seem to enjoy a more uninterrupted and 

 rational mode of life than either of the former two. They have the com- 

 forts of domestic society, and are less liable to be summoned to attend on 

 the pleasure of their superior. In war they must accompany their chief, or 

 any one he may depute, wherever they are ordered, but at other times their 

 condition seems very easy, the principal labour of tillage being performed 

 by a race that can scarcely be called Bouteas ; they are evidently a breed 

 mixed with the baser Bengalees, who inhabit towards the foot of the hills, 

 and are distinguishable from the legitimate Bouteas by the difference of 



* About eight miles above Tacissudon, where it is said he is to remain three years longer. 



