120 
Visit to the Sic cm Mountains y 
[April 
shady and sequestered spots that bordered it, soon made us forget our recent toil, 
while the clear and sparkling fluid was in its refreshing coolness doubly welcome 
to our thirsty and parched lips. 
From this stream, which is 5000 feet below Darjiling, the road ascends to Takdad, 
fcbout 1000 feet, and is far from good. The distance is not above two miles ; when the 
proximity of the village is indicated by the improvement of the road and the increase 
of open and level ground. Ihe village spring, with its rude spout of wood, was 
next passed ; and here I had the first opportunity of seeing one of their beautiful 
breed of cows, far superior to any I had ever seen in the north-western mountains, 
and indeed only inferior to our English animal. Immediately after, we found our- 
selves at the village ; one of the most comfortable houses of which, was assigned as 
our residence. 
The Lama, we were told, was prevented paying Iu*s respects by illness ; and we 
were so fatigued by our long and difficult march, that we were very glad to excuse 
him. We arrived late in the evening, and were glad > after being on our legs all 
day nearly, to have a little rest. 
The following morning the weather was still as cloudy as ever, but towards 8 
o clock the atmosphere began to clear up, and we thought we should at last see 
tne snowy peaks while yet not at too great a distance. Cut the hope was delusive : 
they appeared at intervals, and so imperfectly as only the more to excite our curio- 
sity to see them m their full and unclouded glory. Of four of them I was able to 
observe the bearings, but only of one the altitude, and even of this imperfectly, as 
betore it could be properly taken, the peak was again covered with cloud. The 
bearings were as follows - 
6 
Is o. 
1 
Broad topped mountain. 
310* 
341 
345 
347 
353 
1 
9 
235 
255 
15 ' 
00 
15 
30 alt.5°.22 ; 
50 
No. 2. Kanching-jinga, 
No. 3. Sharp peak, hollow to left. 
No. 4. Chamaldri, 
Feri Pass, the head of the Tista, 
Suluklok, bare near peak, no snow, 
Darjiling, 
Ging ’ zoo 
Finding that the weather had no appearance of clearing, we were obliged to leave 
Takdak. Mr. Grant, however, went previously to visit the sick Lama who it ao- 
peared, had broken Ins arm. He had evidently attempted to set it as it was found 
bound up with splints ; nor did he wish to have it examined : but he exnreS a de 
sire for some medicine, which was furnished him. He anne-ire d d 
thing of medicine, and perhaps of elemental surgery. V 0 ” 6 ' 
nor m Ins manner to any of the people we had v et met with g , f, and SUpi> 
well as his own, seemed to treat him with All our followers, as 
mentions the great influence which those of his clasT£ossfess T* 1 
however, a distinct caste; for of anv such division I hey are not, 
have no notion. The Lamas are taken indiflW ti * distinction these people 
in Thibet ; and are educated to it d-s.-a.ieas. 
form. Like the priests of the Roman Cathnl.V n f tb< -y have t0 per " 
of Chastity; and this attempt to shake off the * hey make a 
is, as in other unenlightened countries, repaid with the * mman na * l " e ’ 
Much of their influence with these people ^derived from ti 1 » reat t s «ctily. 
power over the evil spirits of the count™ ; for he r e as n ti that they 
tncts, we find superstition people each wild snot with it n r 1 " “ 0untaino “ 8 d f 
Lspchas have more reason, and even nhilncmi T • l f , Its . Peculiar demon. Yet the 
at first seem compatible with this oftsnrim.AV * D leir superstition, than might 
The kelpie or bluet of Siccim inhabits the dtp glensand^ darkness ‘ 
of dank and luxuriant vegetation. His ansreAfshown ? nai . r .°^ v ral,les > t!ie tracts 
an intermittent fever; so that he is f ¥ " s : 10un visiting his victim with 
considered rather to be the embodied »[nrit of r . a “°’ ,is > but ma >' f 
the Lamas have the power of coniurin->- for , J ua ' .fJ 1IS spirit, it is supposed, 
such is the confidence of this peoX tlfa Th 7 ~ P ° SSlbIy into the red sea ; and 
is a bhut (spirit; in such a lo S’ buf M V ^ whether there 
Jt is supposed, excludes the former. Oft A I a Lai “ a asides there. The latter, 
convinced ; nor do they allow bis invisibilit, c ? lb f ence ot the they are perfectly 
het ~ The death of several people in a ti 1 J argum ent against their be- 
sufficient evidence of there benU someth i Atf* ° m i eVer ’ is con sidered to be quite 
Philosophy i s satisfied with the explanat on' Vhfoh t f L ° llgllt n0t t0 be ; md ^ 
i anon wiucli the Lamas give of the matter. 
