TIBET. 
.516 
declared in its favour, and adopted for himself the distinction of the 
yellow hat. This completely turned the balance towards the sectaries 
of Gyllookpa, while those of the Shammar, no longer capable of main¬ 
taining their ground, were under the necessity of retiring where they 
might be permitted to enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted station. 
The tract of country bordering on Tibet towards the south, marked 
by a line inhospitable and intemperate in the extreme, which was 
passed over by the Shammar, was found, on examination, capable of 
affording them a residence, and shelter from their adversaries. Here 
then it was, that they established themselves, and fixed their abode, 
while others, styled Dukba, still live in tents and tend their flocks, 
rambling from place to place. 
I frequently observed many of the ancient and idle inhabitants of this 
place, loiter away much of their time, in basking in the sun, upon the 
house tops ; from whence I inferred, that the interests and occupations 
of domestic life were extremely limited. My friend Goorooba, who was 
a humane, intelligent, good creature as could exist, used to pass many 
hours in the day, lounging upon the terrace, and having stripped his 
shoulders of the thick mantle that he wore, turned his back to the 
sun's rays, as if he derived from it, the most friendly and genial 
influence. His lips, I could frequently perceive, moved with great 
rapidity; but for what purpose I cannot pronounce : I gave him credit, 
however, for his prayers. During this time, he was for the most part 
employed in rolling up between his fingers little pellets of dough, 
which he chucked to ravens perched upon the walls ; and so familiar 
were these birds, that they came near enough to catch them before 
