TIBET. 
2,63 
image, I was given to understand, was not of gold, but solid silver, 
gilt. In front of the pyramid, on an altar covered with white cloth, 
were spread about the common objects of daily oblation ; such as 
fruits, and flowers, with various kinds of corn, and oil. Intermixed 
among the offerings, were seen at the same time, several lamps burning, 
which, being considered as sacred fire, are never permitted to go out; 
the smoke arising from these, and from a multitude of odoriferous tapers, 
filled the surrounding space, and strongly perfumed the air. 
On each side of the pyramid, hung suspended from the ceiling by. 
one end, whole pieces of the most beautiful silks and satins. Close to 
the pyramid were two pieces of black velvet, embroidered all over with 
pearls, in squares like network, and finished with a border of the same. 
Some pieces of very handsome English brocades, and Benares gull- 
budden®, completed this rich display. On the surrounding walls were 
painted, from the bottom to the top, many rows of Gylongs, repre¬ 
sented in the act of praying. 
Upon the floor, and on all sides, were high piles of sacred books, 
appertaining to the religion of the Lamas, which orthodox professors 
of that faith, industriously employ themselves to augment with volumi¬ 
nous commentaries. 
Having thus endeavoured to give as distinct an account as a cur¬ 
sory view could qualify me to do, of the valuable materials that con¬ 
tribute to enrich and adorn the mausoleum of the Lama, I must here 
close my description. To attempt to form an estimate of its riches, 
c A species of silk cloth embroidered with flowers, a manufacture, I believe, peculiar 
to Benares. 
