512 
TIBET. 
lands assigned to them for their support. In this station, as chief of a 
flock, the superintendent is styled Lama. 
Those who enter the religious order, are enjoined sobriety, forego 
the society of women, and confine themselves to the austere practices 
of the cloister. Of nunneries, as well as monasteries, the number is 
considerable; and the strictest laws exist, to prevent any woman even 
from accidentally passing a night within the limits of the one, or a 
man within those of the other. Indeed there appears to be a regula¬ 
tion among them, most completely framed to obviate abuse, and estab¬ 
lish respect towards the sacred orders of both sexes. 
The nation is divided into two distinct and separate classes, those 
who carry on the business of the world, and those who hold inter¬ 
course with heaven. No interference of the laity, ever interrupts the 
regulated duties of the clergy. The latter, by mutual compact, lake 
charge of all their spiritual concerns; and the former, by their labours, 
enrich and populate the state. 
I was one day called to the window by a sudden and loud crash of 
instrumental and vocal music, which struck up at once, at no great 
distance from my apartments. I soon saw a prodigious crowd ad¬ 
vance, and turn into an avenue of the monastery, whether or not for 
the purpose of acquiring any addition to their party I cannot pro¬ 
nounce ; but presently they appeared again, and I observed a most 
motley group, composed of a very numerous concourse of spectators, 
as well as a large party of^Gylongs, who, as I was told, were engaged 
in the celebration of some religious festival. 
A considerable number of priests advanced by files of two and two, 
