192 
BOO T A N. 
The variety of scenery we were presented with this day, was highly 
picturesque and grand. On one spot in particular we viewed, tumbling 
from its source, in the bosom of a lofty mountain, a copious river, 
white with foam, and finely contrasted with the dark hued pines, as 
it rushed over the blackened rock, to meet the Patchieu. We were 
met by a prodigious number of passengers, carrying burdens, and 
we overtook others, ascending this lofty mountain. They were really 
models of athletic strength : it was astonishing to behold the firm, 
large, and well divided muscles of their limbs, which were powerful 
indications of the great degree, in which laborious exertion conduces 
to the increase of strength. Although climate may, in some measure, 
contribute, yet their very muscular appearance is not wholly to be 
ascribed to its influence ; for it may be observed, that notwithstanding 
as we advanced, the climate was supposed to improve, and the atmo¬ 
sphere became more pure and rare, there being no stagnant waters, 
and little vegetation, to charge the air with noxious vapours, yet the 
people were much less robust. At the same time I must observe, that 
the Tibetians, always travelling on level ground, carrying a weight of 
clothing that bids defiance to the most piercing winds, and wearing 
thick boots, equally proof against the impression of sharp-pointed 
rocks, or the penetrability of thawing snow, are neither in size, acti¬ 
vity, nor ability to endure fatigue, on a level with the JBooteeas; who 
never go abroad but they must climb an ascent; and who go thinly 
clad, exposing their bare heads to every wind that blows, and trudg¬ 
ing with naked feet in the most rugged and the smoothest roads. 
In various places.near our path, we saw little parties of Booteeas, 
