BOOTAN. 
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the bank of the Matchieu, under a large spreading tree. The valley, 
to a considerable distance, as far as it extended in a right line between 
the river and the garden wall, was as even as a bowling green, and with 
as fresh a verdure. The bank sustained a row of fine old trees, whose 
venerable branches spread their thick foliage, to the exclusion of the 
meridian sun, and cast upon the margin of the river, a constant but 
grateful shade. The pavilion stood supported upon high pillars, and 
we ascended to it by a wooden ladder: it was commodious, light, 
and airy ; and we were much delighted with the pleasantness and 
novelty of our situation. Immediately opposite, within the garden 
wall, was a neat but small summer-house, two stories high, containing 
three rooms on a floor ; and I am informed, that the Raja, when at 
Punukka, is very fond of retiring hither for his recreation. 
Punukka is the winter residence of the Daeb Raja, and, as we were 
informed, his favourite seat: he has lavished large sums upon it ; and 
I am told its decorations are much more costly, than those of any other 
of his palaces. I was greatly mortified and disappointed, in not being 
permitted to see the inside of the palace; a stern porter kept the inner 
entrance ; and, in consequence of an order given during the late 
tumults, obstinately refused me admittance ; nor could I by any means 
prevail upon him to relent. We had not the same difficulty in gaining 
access to the gardens which were extensive, and well stocked ; con¬ 
taining the orange, sweet and sour; lemon, lime, citron, pomegranate, 
peach, apple, pear, and walnut trees, loaded with unripe fruit. We 
gathered many apples ; their shape and name were recommendations 
to us, but we found them coarse, harsh, and extremely ill tasted. A 
T 
