232 
TIBET. 
Entry into 1 erpaling — Return of the Regent — Cavalcade—Bonfires 
— Chinese. — Correspondence with Dalai Lama. — Hostile Dispo¬ 
sition of Gesub Rimbochay.—Powerful Influence of the Court of 
China. 
'We had no sooner entered the apartments allotted for our accom¬ 
modation, than messages of compliment and congratulation were 
received, both from the Regent, Ghanjoo Cooshoo, brother of the late 
Lama, and Soopoon Choomboo, his cup-bearer, accompanied by a 
white silk scarf from each. These attentions were quickly followed 
by a most ample supply of refreshments; large vessels of warm tea, 
parched grain, dried fruits, and various articles of provision. Such 
are the forms observed, both here and in Bootan, towards a visitor, 
upon his first arrival: and perhaps a weary traveller would agree with 
me, in thinking it a most rational mode of reception, which thus boun¬ 
teously places at his feet, after the toil of a long journey, every thing 
that hunger and fatigue render necessary to his relief. Ceremonious 
visits, on the first day, are always dispensed with; and the stranger is 
left to seek refreshment and rest, without interruption. 
I did not omit to return, by the messenger, who waited upon me, 
proper acknowledgments for the polite attentions of the Regent, and 
Soopoon Choomboo ; 1 sent at the same time, a white silk scarf to 
each ; for this is an offering invariably attendant on every intercourse 
of ceremony, as well in Tibet as in Bootan. A similar piece of silk is 
always transmitted under cover, with letters, even from the most 
distant places, whether they be merely complimentary, or relate to 
