1 42 
BOOTAN-. 
was neat and airy, and we deemed it an inviting situation to rest our¬ 
selves awhile. We had not been long seated, when the.steward of the 
villa spread before us a vast profusion of ripe and green apples, 
oranges, 8cc. Tea and whisky also made a part of the offering, and 
fresh curdled milk. Our host (who was very communicative) sat down, 
and partook with us of the potable part of his treat. When we were 
a little refreshed, he led us about the garden, and afterwards through 
every apartment in the palace : nor was he at all scrupulous in 
exhibiting to our view the fine display of gilded gods, that occupied 
the recesses in several rooms. Our attendant, who was an active 
cheerful young man about eighteen years of age, and who just before 
had been as merry as unclouded spirits and rude health could make 
him, in a moment became as grave as one of the group of idols, and 
approached them with devout solemnity to make his nine prostrations. 
This palace is similar to all those of the secondary order : its ex¬ 
terior form is a square: in the centre of the front is a quadrangular 
4 9 
building, which forms the body of the house, elevated three floors 
above the three other sides of the square, in which are contained 
offices for servants, and rooms for all sorts of lumber. The entrance 
was by the side of the house, through a narrow passage into the area, 
where a flight of wooden steps conducted us to the first floor of the 
centre building. The rooms were lofty and spacious ; to some, there 
were projecting balconies, whence might be seen the garden, and a 
part of the valley; but the prospect was limited on all sides by high 
mountains, a circumstance which renders Zemrigatchee rather a gloomy 
retreat. 
