416 
TIBET. 
In Thibet, the natives are more subject to sore«eyes, and blindness, 
than in Boutan. The high winds, sandy soil, and glare from the re¬ 
flection of the sun, both from the snow and sand, account for this. 
I have dwelt long on this subject, because I think the knowledge 
and observations of these people on the diseases of their country, with 
their medical practice, keep pace with a refinement and state of civili¬ 
zation, which struck me with wonder, and, no doubt, will give rise to 
much curious speculation, when known to be the manners of a people, 
holding so little intercourse, with what we term civilized nations. 
December 1. Left Tishoolumboo, and found the cold increase every 
day, as we advanced to the southward, most of the running waters 
frozen, and the pools covered with ice strong enough to carry. Our 
thermometer having only the scale as low as 16°, we could not pre¬ 
cisely determine the degree of cold, the quicksilver being under that 
every morning. The frost is certainly never so intense in Great 
Britain. On our return to the lakes, the 14th, we found them deserted 
by the water fowl, and were informed, that they had been one solid 
piece of ice since the 10th of November. Here we resumed our 
amusement of skating, to the great astonishment of the natives and 
Bengal servants. 
On the 17 th, we re-entered Boutan, and in six days more arrived 
at Punukha by Paraghon. No snow or frost to be met with in Boutan, 
except towards the tops of their highest mountains ; the thermometer 
rising to 36° in the morning, and 48° at noon. 
Took leave of the Debe Rajah, and on the 15th arrived ai Buxaduar. 
