342 
TIBET. 
united together, by many strong bands. Gyap put one of these bows 
into my hands, which when bent, was of extreme tension. I was un¬ 
able to draw the arrow, but taking it himself, he pointed it at a mark 
upon the opposite hill, at the distance, as I judged, of five or six hun¬ 
dred yards. I could not trace the flight of the arrow, though steadily 
intent upon it, when he discharged it. 
He peculiarly excelled in drawing the bow, and was polite enough 
to say, that if I would pass some months with him at Terpafing, we 
might practise together, and daily vary our amusements. I should 
learn from him the science of archery, and, in return, teach him the 
use of fire arms. I had an opportunity of exhibiting some skill with 
a rifle, but as it was a plain piece, I presented him with a fusee I had, 
which was better ornamented. It seems that the improvement of fire¬ 
locks is unknown here, all their pieces being fitted with a match. 
While we were engaged in these sports, Gyap informed me, that 
there were men in Tibet, who could pass the deepest water courses 
in an erect posture, so as perfectly to preserve their arms from being 
touched by the water, and use them if it became necessary, as they 
sunk not deeper than the waist: this I conceived to be the art, of 
which I had heard, of treading the water; and it must, if practicable, be 
a useful military lesson. He mentioned also the dexterity with which 
an horseman here, would dismount his adversary, particularly when in 
pursuit, by means of a running noose. 
Conversation, and various amusements, occupied our time, until 
we were called to partake of a repast. It was prepared in the pavi¬ 
lion, where we found Gyeung seated ready to receive us. Our benches, 
