B O O T A N. 
195 
Carpets and cushions were placed ready; and we were no less 
happy to meet our old acquaintance, the Lama, than to partake of the 
refreshments he afforded us. We were presented with a profusion of 
fresh rich milk, and a preparation called, in the language of India, 
Dhy, which is milk, acidulated by means of buttermilk boiled in it, 
and kept, till it is slightly coagulated. The Kummuz of the Tartars is 
mare’s milk, prepared by the same process : this is sometimes dried in 
masses till it resembles chalk; and is used to give a relish to the water 
which they drink, by solution with it. I have been told, that the ope¬ 
ration of drying it, is sometimes performed by tying the Dhy tight in 
bags of cloth, and suspending it under their horses’ bellies. We had 
also dried fruits, consisting of dates and apricots; buttered tea was 
not omitted in this repast, nor was it indeed the least acceptable part 
of it; for habit had not only rendered this composition agreeable to 
our tastes, but experience most fully proved, that warm liquids, at all 
times, contribute to alleviate the sensation of fatigue. I was never more 
disposed to praise the comfortable practice of the country, having 
constantly observed, that the first object of attention with every man, 
at the end of a long journey, is to procure himself a dish of hot tea. 
If you are expected, it is always prepared, and brought to you, the 
moment you arrive. 
While we were assembled in the tents, we debated on our future 
plan of proceeding: it was at length determined, that the Lama should 
proceed immediately to Phari, to prepare for our arrival ; that Poo- 
rugnheer, with some others of the party, should accompany him; and 
that we ourselves should move, on the following afternoon. 
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