greater than I expected. Swarms of Gylongs, the
more curious of whom received whacks from leathern straps, wielded by
some magisterial brother.

_April 10th_.--Yesterday we saw the Dhurma, to whom we had to ascend by
several flight of steps, which are most break-neck things, the steps
overlapping in front, and being often lined with iron on the part most
subject to be worn. We found him in the south room of the upper story of
the citadel. We waived our right to sitting in his presence as the
question was put to us with respect and delicacy. The Rajah is a good
looking boy, of eight or ten years old: he was seated in the centre, but
in an obscure part of the room, and was not surrounded by many immediate
attendants. The balcony was filled with scribes with handsome black,
gilt, lettered books before them. Two other scribes were likewise
engaged on our right, noting down what passed, but they seemed to be very
bad writers. The visit went off well. The room was tastily, but not so
profusely ornamented with scarfs as was the Deb's.

On returning we found the household guard drawn up in front to prevent
our passing out without paying a fee. This matter was soon settled
forcibly, and the durwan, or door-keeper, lost by his impudence the
present he would otherwise have had from P., besides being in a great
fright lest the affair should be reported to the Rajah.

_April 11th_.--The rains appear to have set in: the sky is constantly
overcast, and showers are by no means unfrequent. One of our dawks
arrived opened: this no doubt took place in the palace, although the Deb
strenuously denies it. Messengers are to be sent to Tassgoung, where the
accident is said to have happened. The cause of its having been opened,
is no doubt the report that there was a letter in it from the old Deb.

_April 14th_.--A violent squall unaccompanied by rain, came on
yesterday from the west: roofs were flying about in every direction, and
many accidents occurred from the falling of the stones by which they were
secured. Part of the palace was unroofed. The storm has stopped all our
amusements, particularly as the Gylongs attribute it to our firing. The
Kacharies, our servants, were likewise requested not to play any more on
the esplanade. This is just as it has been in every other place in
Bootan, nothing is said against amusement until the presents have been
received, and then we are requested to do nothing, and the authorities
bec