32 Geological and Statistical Account of the [Jan. 



the little urchins just escaped from their controul. To the eye of the 

 most careful observer, their countenances bespeak a tranquillity of 

 mind unknown to such whose passions are yet unsubdued. There is in the 

 appearance of these priests an equal absence of puritanical zeal or 

 overweening confidence ; their features are as placid as the sky above 

 them, and even with those whose religious duties are of the graver 

 cast, a smile of benevolence may be seen to break through the shades 

 of sorrow and self- degradation. Often have I, in passing, addressed 

 these monks, and have invariably received a courteous reply. On 

 some occasions I have found a welcome in the Kioum when shelter 

 was denied me elsewhere ; and with that welcome the more substan- 

 tial evidences of good will in the shape of a repast prepared for myself 

 and followers. I never left the Kioum in prosecution of my journey 

 without feeling grateful to those good monks, who had so charitably 

 received the white stranger into their mansion. 



The Bhi Kuni (nuns), are equally common with the priests. They 

 either reside in a convent of nuns, or live separately in some hou^e 

 constructed near a Koo (temple), superintending the offerings, and 

 leaaing a life of religious abstinence. The greater part of the Bhi 

 Kuni, have retained their virginity from early youth ; others again 

 have retired from the scene of earthly cares at a more advaticed age ; 

 in some instances, after marriage, but only when that marriage has not 

 been productive of children. The dress of the Bhi kuni is similar 

 to that of the Phoongrees, and their discipline in every other respect 

 alike. Both are equally revered by the laity, and supplied with the 

 little food necessary for their subsistence. 



Respected by the people when living, it is not surprising that the 

 Nigh-ban* of a Phoongree should be marked by circumstances expres- 

 sive of the sanctity of his character, and the attachment of his flock. 

 The nature of the preparations made to do honour to his remains will 

 depend much upon the means of the population residing in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the Kioum. If these should be ample, the funeral obse- 

 quies will be performed on a scale of magnificence seldom surpassed 

 in their most expensive shews ; but if otherwise, the ceremonies will 

 of necessity be got over in a hurried and economical style. The 

 following will however be found to be the general practice with regard 

 to the obsequies of a deceased Phoongree, and such mode of perform- 

 ing them was adopted in the present instance. 



When emancipated from the world, the body is opened and em- 

 balmed ; after which it lies for many weeks exposed to public view. 

 The body is then confined in a coffin richly embellished with gold and 

 * Nirvdn, death ; properly emancipation. 



