26 4 
TISET. 
from my own observation, or to repeat the exaggerated reports, which 
others even relate with diffidence, might equally subject me to the 
imputation of extravagant fiction. 
The shell, or covering of the pyramid, which constitutes the exterior 
of the mausoleum, is a structure, when viewed at some distance, of con¬ 
siderable magnitude and beauty. It stands upon the side of a rocky 
hill, and is very conspicuously situated, towering high above the 
greater part of the monastery. The architecture must not be criticised 
by scientific rules, for the different orders, as adopted in Europe, ap¬ 
pear to be entirely unknown in Tibet, where they seem rather to 
have chosen the use of a mixed kind. The pillar, scolloped arch, and 
pediment of Asia, or Hindostan, prevail in the interior apartments; 
the external decorations are of Chinese, or Tartar origin, similar to 
those of the watch tower, or temple of the former; the tented canopy 
and imperial dragon. As far as the mason has been concerned, it is 
a plain substantial building of stone, with cement. It is longer in 
front than in depth, and considerably more lofty than either. 
The walls are built so much thicker at the base, as to give them a 
very perceptible slope. The centre of the building has a very large 
window above the portico, furnished with curtains of black mohair. The 
walls, in various parts, are ornamented with circular representations 
either of the sun, or full moon, and with gilded crescents. Above the 
window runs a headband'all round of a deep garnet colour. Higher 
than this headband, in the centre of the front, within a tablet, the 
mystic sentence, Com maunee paimee oom % is inscribed, in large golden 
characters. A blank interval then succeeds, and over that, a space of 
