244 
TIBET. 
extensive view of the valley, and was at once enlightened and warmed 
by a projecting balcony, which, from its position, admitted the rays of 
the sun nearly all the day, during the time he has southern declination, 
which, of course, is their coldest season. When we entered the room, 
the mohair curtains were partially drawn; but even in this state, we 
were sensible of a grateful warmth. Soopoon Choomboo was seated 
close by the balcony. We each of us presented, as usual, a silk scarf, 
and I delivered to him the letter and presents, with which I had been 
charged. We took our seats on piles of cushions that had been placed 
on the opposite side of the room, when Soopoon Choomboo, after a 
few personal compliments, instantly proposed various inquiries respect¬ 
ing the health and situation of Mr. Hastings. To his numberless ques¬ 
tions 1 gave, as well as I was able, the most satisfactory answers; and 
I endeavoured to express, in the strongest terms, the great uneasiness 
to which I had been subject, in the noxious climate (as they esteem it) 
of the country of Dukba b ; contrasting my unpleasant situation, while 
my journey hither stood in suspense, and I dreaded the necessity of 
returning to Bengal without seeing him, or Maha Raja, with the sin¬ 
gular satisfaction I now experienced, in having reached his court in 
safety. I concluded with assurances, how highly acceptable these 
tidings would prove to his friend the Governor. He was profuse in his 
acknowledgments, of the high gratification and honour he derived from 
the receipt of the Governor General’s dispatches, and stated the great 
anxiety, under which the Regent and himself had laboured, asPoorung- 
heer well knew, in contriving to conduct me to Teshoo Loomboo. 
Bootan. 
