630 Notes upon a Tour in the Si/ckim Himalayah Mountains. [No. 7. 



group of painted figures five feet in height, too indecent to make 

 any further mention of. The altar consisting of a raised platform 

 had upon it a few conch shells — brazen cups with water in them — 

 bells — small brazen images and drums, all of Tibetan manufactory 

 and very beautiful, especially the brass work which is chased and 

 carved in a very minute style. Four heads of Indian corn were 

 also hung up in front of the altar. In one corner of the room stood 

 a prayer-drum five feet in height and supported between strong 

 upright wooden posts. Their drums called " Mane" are found with 

 all sects of Buddhists in or near the Himalayah, they contain painted 

 and written prayers and are made to revolve from north, round by 

 east, the revolving Lama repeating the words " Om Mane pemi horn.'* 

 These prayer-drums vary from a few inches in length to several feet 

 in height. The former are turned by the hand, the latter either by 

 wheels or by water power. 



The Lama left in charge of the convent could not appear, as he 

 was undergoing either penance or was under a tow not to mingle 

 with the world on this day ; we conversed with him through a door, 

 he speaking in the Bhotia language, our Lepchas interpreting ; he 

 sent us out nice soft rugs to sit upon, and a gallon of tea. He was 

 most anxious that we should stay and sleep at the convent, and have 

 a long talk with him on the morrow ; he said all the brethren had 

 experienced much pleasure from Dr. Hooker's visit, and assured us 

 that our having come so far to see the convent, was an honour and 

 that we were welcome. The fact is, these monks, perched upon lofty 

 mountains and shut out from all the world, lead a life of monotony - r 

 a traveller breaking in upon this monotony and conversing about 

 the world, its politics and people, is warmly welcomed and treated 

 with great kindness. 



A hot walk of three miles along the crest of the mountain brought 

 us to Pemionchi, where there is a very handsome Goompa of three 

 stories ; it is eighty feet in length by about forty broad. As we 

 approached, we saw one of the Lamas, who was dressed in his long 

 garnet-coloured cloth robes, beating a gong to call all the monks 

 to prayers ; we were fortunate in seeing the whole establishment 

 go through a religious performance upon the occasion of the death 

 of a brother monk. 



