TIBET. 
343 
for they use no tables here, were abundantly covered with joints of 
cold meat, chiefly mutton; some of which had been dried by frost, 
some boiled, and some raw. Of the two first I could eat most heartily, 
but I could never conquer my prejudice against meat perfectly raw ; 
and neither the example nor the praises of my friends, could at all 
prevail upon me to partake of their favourite dish, though Gyap, with 
much apparent relish, picked many a raw rib, clear to the bone. Our 
beverage was cold ckong , a liquor which, in this country, is never 
taken warm. A desert of dried fruits, when the meat was taken away, 
concluded the repast. Gyeung fed sparingly, eating only fruit; she 
was restricted, she said, while suckling the Lama, from all animal 
food, as well as from the use of spirits, and she complained heavily 
of the deprivation. 
The day was far advanced, when a servant appeared with some 
musical instruments. Gyap gave into my hand a flagelet, and desired 
me to use it. I was unable. He then took it, and accompanied Gyeung 
upon the cittaur, (a stringed instrument, something resembling a guitar) 
and they played several pleasing airs together. At length, Gyeung 
accompanied the instruments with her voice, which was by no means 
inharmonious; and I am not ashamed to own, that the song she sung, 
was more pleasing to my ear, than an Italian air. I could not but 
express myself highly gratified. Gyap regretted his inability to enter¬ 
tain me, with a greater variety of instrumental music, saying, that he 
was obliged to leave behind him his collection, on quitting Lassa. I 
could not avoid asking, by what means they acquired the variety of 
tunes I heard; and how the instruments, though so different in their 
