Adventure, sport and travel on the Tibetan steppes (1911) (14803471953)

Identifier: adventuresporttr00fergrich (find matches)
Title: Adventure, sport and travel on the Tibetan steppes
Year: 1911 (1910s)
Authors: Fergusson, W. N Brooke, John Weston, l880-l908
Subjects: Tibet (China) -- Description and travel China -- Description and travel
Publisher: New York : Scribner
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN



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, in whichwas a good crop of barley and wheat just coming into head,we found ourselves at the little bridge at the foot of the spuron which stood the castle and a group of houses, mostlyoccupied by the Tussus retainers. Several of the houses are also owned by representativemen of districts throughout the realm. On my former visit I lodged in one of the houses inside ofthe palace enclosure, which belonged to the Hei Shui Chief,but on this occasion he would need it himself, for he andhis followers would fill every bit of available space, and wewondered where we would get accommodation. I went on ahead to secure lodgings, and on the green nearthe bridge I found most of the inhabitants, both old womenand young maidens, old men and boys, together with localheadmen or chiefs, all kneeling on the grass, while Tibetanrugs were spread out, on which they were to entertain andwelcome the Chief of the famous Black River people. I wasriding along with two of Daerh Wangs heralds, and, according 166
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The Journey to Chosscliiii. to custom, we all dismounted when we drew near and weresaluted by the waiting party. I inquired where we were to lodge, and a man was told offto guide the way. We were led to a fine large stone houseat the back of the palace, and about half-a-mile to the westof it, where we found comfortable quarters. After passing up a long stone lane we entered a large court-yard, surrounded by a stone wall, where the animals wereput up. On going through the heavy doors, over which the skullof a bear was hung to keep away evil spirits, we passed throughan opening in the thick wall of the house and, turning to ourright, entered a large room forty feet long by thirty feet wide,in the centre of which was the usual fireplace, and a great fireburning under huge pots that stood on iron tripods, each potholding about fifty gallons of water. This was the generalkitchen and living room. We did not stay here, but wereled up two dark stairways to the third floor, and shown to avery