TIBET. 
425 
way from Summar to the gates of the palace. Some of the priests had 
lighted rods of a perfumed composition, that burn like decayed wood, 
and emit, as they consume, an aromatic smoke. The rest were fur¬ 
nished with the different musical instruments they use at their devo¬ 
tions, such as the gong, the cymbal, hautboy, trumpet, drums, and 
sea conch, which were all sounded in unison with the hymn they 
chanted. The crowd of spectators was kept without the street, and 
none admitted on the highway, but such as properly belonged to, or 
had a prescribed place in, the procession, which was arranged in the 
following order. 
The van was led by three military commandants, or governors of 
districts, at the head of six or seven thousand horsemen, armed with 
quivers, bows, and matchlocks. In their rear followed the ambassador 
with his suit, carrying his diploma, as is the custom of China, made 
up in the shape of a large tube, and fastened on his back. Next, the 
Chinese general advanced, with the troops under his command, mount¬ 
ed, and accoutred, after their way, with fire-arms and sabres; then came 
a very numerous group, bearing the various standards and insignia of 
state; after them a full band of wind, and other sonorous instruments; 
after which were led two horses richly caparisoned, each carrying two 
large circular stoves, disposed like panniers across the horses’ backs, 
and filled with burning aromatic woods. These were followed by a 
senior priest, called a Lama, who bore a box containing books of their 
form of prayer, and some favourite idols. Next, nine sumptuary 
i 
horses were led, loaded with the Lama’s apparel; after which came 
the priests immediately attached to the Lama’s person, for the per- 
