ntrary, I was much
struck with the great similarity of the mass of the lower orders to the
Chinese. Their imperturbable good humour and unaffected simplicity as
plainly proved them a hill race, as did their picturesque dwellings and
sturdy limbs. Altogether this class of the inhabitants of Nepaul are a
cheerful, happy race, for whom one could feel a sort of affection after
becoming reconciled to their appearance; but a woman is certainly not
fascinating when what ought to be nose is nothing but cheek with two
holes in it, and what ought to be neck is almost body as well. If people
have protuberances in wrong places, it of course requires a little time
for the eye to become accustomed to them. It may be that a goitre is a
beauty in the eyes of many a young Nepaulese swain. It matters little,
however, to a young Newar bride whether her husband admires her or not,
for she is at liberty to claim a divorce whenever she pleases, and, if
her second choice be not of lower caste than herself, she may leave him
at pleasure and return to her original spouse, resuming the charge of any
family she may have had by him.

The Ghorkas are the conquerors of Nepaul, and now compose the army; they
have grants of land called jaghires, on which they live when not actually
on service. They are a handsome and independent race, priding themselves
upon not being able to do anything but fight; and in their free and
sometimes noble carriage often reminded me of the Tyrolese.

Besides the Ghorkas and Newars there are two or three other tribes, each
consisting of but a limited number, and possessing no peculiar
distinguishing marks, except the differences to be found in their
religious opinions, which are generally a mixture of the Bhuddist and
Hindoo creeds.

But to return to the temple of Pusputnath. This celebrated edifice is
said to have been erected by Pussoopush Deoth, the fourth prince of the
Soorijbunsee dynasty; and so sacred is the temple considered, that a
pilgrimage to its shrines is held to be more meritorious than any other
act that can be performed by a Hindoo. As the massive folding-doors
opened before us, the view of the court-yard was certainly more striking
than anything I had yet seen of the sort. Immediately opposite the
handsome gateway, and situated in the centre of the court-yard, was the
temple, roofed with lead, while the edges were ornamented with a
profusion of gold leaf. Beside the large doors of massive silv