174 TONGLO. Chap. VII. 



corpses are cut in pieces and thrown to the kites, or into 

 the water. 



Two boys usually reside in the temple, and their beds 

 were given up to us, which being only rough planks laid on 

 the floor, proved clean in one sense, but contrasted badly 

 with the springy couch of bamboo the Lepcha makes, 

 which renders carrying a mattress or aught but blankets 

 superfluous. 



May 24. — We were awakened at daylight by the 

 discordant orisons of the Lama ; these commenced by the 

 boys beating the great tambourine, then blowing the conch- 

 shells, and finally the trumpets and thigh-bone. Shortly 

 the Lama entered, clad in scarlet, shorn and barefooted, 

 wearing a small red silk mitre, a loose gown girt round 

 the middle, and an under-garment of questionable colour, 

 possibly once purple. He walked along, slowly muttering 

 his prayers, to the end of the apartment, whence he took 

 a brass bell and dorge, and, sitting down cross-legged, 

 commenced matins, counting his beads, or ringing the bell, 

 and uttering most dismal prayers. After various disposals 

 of the cups, a larger bell was violently rung for some 

 minutes, himself snapping his fingers and uttering most 

 unearthly sounds. Finally, incense was brought, of 

 charcoal with juniper-sprigs ; it was swung about, and 

 concluded the morning service to our great relief, for 

 the noises were quite intolerable. Fervid as the devotions 

 appeared, to judge by their intonation, I fear the Lama felt 

 more curious about us than was proper under the circum- 

 stances ; and when I tried to sketch him, his excitement 

 knew no bounds ; he fairly turned round on the settee, and, 

 continuing his prayers and bell-accompaniment, appeared 

 to be exorcising me, or some spirit within me. 



After breakfast the Lama came to visit us, bringing rice, 



