BOOTAN. 
185 
forming itself to the shape of the summit, the slope all round beginning 
from the foundation of its walls. The approach to the only entrance, * 
is defended by three round towers, placed between the castle and the 
foot of the hill, and connected together by a double wall; so that a safe 
communication between them is preserved, even in times of the greatest 
peril. Around each of these towers, near the top, a broad ledge pro¬ 
jects, the edges of which are fortified by a mud wall, with loop holes 
adapted to the use of the bow and arrow, or of muskets. On the north 
of the castle are two round towers that command the road from Tibet. 
On the east side the rock is rough and steep ; and close under the 
walls on the west, is a large bason of water, the only reservoir I had 
yet seen in Bootan. 
The castle of Dukka-jeung is a very substantial stone building, with 
high walls; but so irregular in its figure, that it is evident, no other 
design was followed in its construction, than to cover all the level 
space upon the top of the hill on which it stands. Having ascended to 
the gateway at the foot of the walls, we had still to mount about a dozen 
steps through a narrow passage, after which we landed upon a semi¬ 
circular platform, edged with a strong wall, pierced with loop holes. 
Turning to the right, we passed through a second gateway, and went 
along a wide lane, with stables for horses on each side. The third 
gateway conducted us to the interior of the fortress, being a large 
square, the angles of which had three suites of rooms. In the centre 
of the square, was a temple dedicated to Mahamoonie and his conco¬ 
mitant idols. 
During the night, a light sprinkling of snow had fallen below in 
