TIBET. 
241 
was set the same kind of cup, which, I remember, the Daeb Raja told 
me, in his dominions, none but the Raja, or one of the three Lamas, 
could presume to use. This I notice, not only as being one among 
their sumptuary laws, but also as an evidence of their disposition to 
manifest very high respect, as well as civility, in their attentions to 
us. In shape and size this cup is somewhat similar to a China pint 
bason ; but a round hollow pedestal proceeds from beneath, suffi¬ 
ciently long, to be grasped within the hand, and upon which it will 
stand upright without support. It is made of the finest porcelain, 
extremely thin, and purely white, and is stamped on both sides with 
the impression of the dragon, the imperial emblem, which is visible 
only, like the water mark in bank paper, on close inspection, at a small 
distance. Previously to our taking leave, trays of tea, sugar, skins of 
butter, and dried fruits, consisting of raisins, dates, apricots, and 
almonds, with some others that I had never before seen, the produce 
of China and eastern Tartary, were severally presented to us. The 
Regent gave me many injunctions to communicate all my wants to the 
person, whom he had directed to attend upon us. We each received 
a scarf from his own hands, and withdrew, having every reason to 
be gratified with our reception, which I considered as attentive, and 
flattering, in the highest degree. 
I will now endeavour to give some idea of the Regent’s person and 
manner. In stature he was of the middle size, rather of a broad make, 
but not inclined to corpulency. He had a short wide face, with the 
nose a little turned up, small black eyes, and high cheek bones. 
Though he was by no means handsome, yet there was an agreeable 
