CHAPTER IX - FRAGMENTARY NOTES–RETURN JOURNEY

Summary

The Tibetans do not use the Chinese kalends: they have astronomers and a calendar of their own. Their year commences at the same time as the Chinese year, viz. the February new moon. Their astronomical tables and precepts come from Chaking, they say. If this be true, they are very old.

Jan. 8 = 16th of twelfth moon. I visited the Lama and afterwards the Tí-mu-fu. He promised me books.

10th = 29th of twelfth moon. I visited the Lama unexpectedly, and he gave me sacred leaves wrapped up in yellow silk.

Feb. 12 = Chiz. New year.

As I wrote at the time, I have made observations which are incorrect, having been deceived. Example: I say, my servant took an opportunity of returning to Szechuen. He told me he was going, and mentioned some particulars. I afterwards found he had deceived me, and still loitered in Lhasa. Perhaps his coming to take leave of me was for the sake of a farewell present.

New year. I visited the Grand Lama on the last day of the year and on New Year's day, and gave him a telescope.

I determined to ask leave to go back with Munshi and to change our route, hoping to be asked to go by Canton.

But there are reasons why I must not expect to be asked that.