280 
TIBET. 
against dwelling in houses, that they are with difficulty prevailed upon 
at any time to enter them. 
This prejudice is said to have its foundation in a dread of their fall¬ 
ing ; an apprehension which may perhaps have originated, in remote 
times, from the calamitous effects of earthquakes. Slight concussions 
are not unfrequent, as far as I could learn, at this period, though the 
volcano at (he eastern point of Tartary, in the island of Analuska, is 
situated at so remote a distance. 
Another cause may indeed have contributed to instil this dread of 
a fixed abode, into their minds. I mean, their fearful apprehension of 
contagious distempers, and more particularly of the small-pox; from the 
virulence of which disease, they experience the most destructive conse¬ 
quences ; since they attempt not to apply any remedy, but leave those 
who are unhappily visited by it, entirely to chance, and to the common 
operation of unassisted nature. Hence, they have always been accus¬ 
tomed to seek refuge from its fatal effects by ffight, and may perhaps, in 
consequence, have been led to adopt a mode of life, that might enable 
them, with greater facility, to change their residence in a moment. 
Thus large hordes of Tartars are still found to dwell in tents, tend¬ 
ing upon cattle, and placing their chief dependance upon their herds. 
Different preparations of milk, constitute their principal support. They 
occasionally find some assistance from the chase, and, in spite of their 
religious prejudices, I am told, that the flesh of cows and horses, not 
unfrequently contribute to relieve their wants : to this list too, must be 
sometimes added the dromedary and the ass, however highly respected 
amongst them for their hardiness, and patient endurance of labour. 
