TO TAZEDO, ON THE CHINESE FRONTIER. 533 



the officers of the Ruler of Lahassa, and ostensibly for the support and 

 repair of the bridge. The water of the Kung-ju is very dark, like char- 

 coal, but is good, and to its virtues is ascribed the freedom which those 

 who drink it enjoy from the Goitre. From the river the whole way is level 

 and cultivated. Shu-ba-du is a town of moderate size. The tails of the 

 Yak are there sold for two pice a piece, and ghee also is exceedingly 

 cheap ; but notwithstanding these low prices theft and robbery are very 

 common. The thieves are exceedingly audacious, and belong to a tribe 

 called Khamba, who (probably from their vagrant habits) are noted as the 

 great collectors of musk. At Shu-ba-ju is a Gumba, or monastery, of about 

 two hundred monks, of the Lama tribe. These monks are famous for their 

 learning. Yet wo-betide the wealthy trader who passes their abode with- 

 out making them a present — for, in that case, his merchandise will be 

 plundered as sure as fate. There are about one hundred soldiers, (Chinese 

 and Bhotias) at Shu-bd-ju. The houses are mostly of wood, roofed with stone. 



44th Stage, of seven cos, to Noomdri. The country is mostly level, 

 with occasional cultivation. There is, however, an insulated hill, which 

 you pass on the right. Noomdri is a large town, filled with people of 

 various nations — but no Cashmirians. There is a powder magazine here. 

 Most of the houses are of stone, and the people are famous for their skill 

 in making bows and arrows. 



45th Stage, of eight cos, to Mangam. All the way lies through a 

 level country, and on your right flows the Kung-ju river, already men- 

 tioned. There are many Chinese soap-makers at Mangam — also many 

 Mewari and JBhoiia merchants. 



46th Stage, of seven cos, to Tdya. The road towards the middle of 

 the stage is very stony. This town is famous for thieves, who come at 

 night in the guise of dogs and other animals, to rob the merchant traveller. 

 The Governor of the town is appointed from Lahassa. Before his door are 



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