TIBET. 
291 
In my next interview with Soopoon Choomboo, he entertained 
me with a description of the gardens, villas, and palaces, of the 
Emperor of China, and the various entertainments contrived to gratify 
and amuse the Teshoo Lama, during his residence at that court. One 
of the first spectacles he noticed,, was a most splendid display of fire¬ 
works, exhibited in celebration of the commencement of the new year, 
which greatly engaged his attention and admiration*. This entertain¬ 
ment continued for three successive days, during which time the Teshoo 
Lama, in company with the Emperor, was a frequent spectator of their 
beauty and effect. The singular magnificence of some of the imperial 
gardens, had made an equal impression upon his mind. In one of 
these, according to his description, was a large canal, surrounded with 
figures of a gigantic size, representing the signs of the zodiac ; each 
figure, as the sun entered its corresponding sign, becoming a fountain 
of water, which continued to play until his passage to the next. 
An extensive menagery, filled with rare and curious animals, among 
which were tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and the wild boar, was equally 
successful in attracting their notice. He stated also, that the Emperor 
had ordered a ship to be constructed on a large lake, and armed with 
guns, to resemble a first rate man of war. The guns were discharged 
on board this ship, to give them an idea of a sea engagement. 
Feats of horsemanship were not forgotten, with a design to vary 
their amusements, and fill up the time. In these, he said, the people of 
China displayed great agility and skill. With such a recapitulation of 
the various modes, devised to entertain the Lama, during his residence 
at Jeliol, did Soopoon Choomboo with much good humour endeavour 
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