TIBET. 
345 
strations before he was removed. There came this day, a party of Kil- 
mauks, (Calmuc Tartars) for the purposes of devotion, and to make their 
offerings to the Lama. When I returned from visiting him, I saw them 
standing at the entrance of the square, in front of the palace, each with 
his cap off, his hands being placed together, elevated, and held even 
with his face. They remained upwards of half an hour in this attitude, 
their eyes being fixed upon the apartment of the Lama, and anxiety 
very visibly depicted in their countenances. At length, I imagine, he 
appeared to them, for they began all together by lifting up their hands, 
which were still closed, above their heads, then bringing them even 
with their faces, and afterwards lowering them to their breasts; then 
separating them, to assist them in sinking and rising, they dropped 
upon their knees, and struck their heads against the ground. This, 
with the same motions, was repeated nine times. They afterwards 
advanced to deliver their presents, consisting of tarreema 3 , or talents 
of gold and silver, with the products of their country, to the proper 
officer; and when he had received them, they retired, apparently with 
much satisfaction. 
Upon inquiry I learnt, * that offerings made in this manner, are by 
no means unfrequent, and, in reality,-constitute one of the most copious 
sources, from which the Lamas of Tibet derive their wealth. 
No one thinks himself degraded, by performing these humiliations. 
The persons I have described, as coming for this devout purpose, were 
3 These are masses of pure bullion, which take the form of the crucible in which 
they are fused, and allowed to cool. No fixed standard regulates the quantity of metal 
in each. The value of the mass is estimated by its weight, which is engraved upon it. 
Those of silver usually vary in worth, from forty to fifty pounds. 
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