ing acquired only an incomplete knowledge of
Christian doctrine, or from having apostatized from it, to the
introduction of a new Buddhist Liturgy. The feeble opposition which he
encountered in his reformation, would seem to indicate that already the
progress of Christian ideas in these countries had materially shaken the
faith of Buddha. We shall by-and-by inquire whether the numerous
analogies between the Buddhists and the Catholics are an obstacle or an
aid to the propagation of the faith in Tartary and Thibet.

The reformation of Tsong-Kaba triumphed in all the regions comprised
between the Himalaya mountains, the frontiers of Russia, and the Great
Wall of China. It even made its way into some provinces of the Celestial
Empire, into Kan Sou, for example, Chan-Si, Petche-Li, and all
Mantchouria. The bonzes have retained the ancient rites, with the
exception only of a few innovations which have been adopted in particular
localities. There is now a regular distinction understood between the
two classes of Lamas, the yellow and the grey; that is to say, those who
follow the reformation and those who persist in the elder worship. These
two sects, which no doubt at one time treated each other as rivals, and
made war upon each other, now live in perfect harmony. The Bonzes and
the Lamas regard themselves as all of the same family.

The tribe of Amdo, previously altogether obscure and of no importance
whatever, has, since the reformation of Buddhism, acquired a prodigious
celebrity. The mountain at the foot of which Tsong-Kaba was born, became
a famous place of pilgrimage. Lamas assembled there from all parts to
build their cells, and thus by degrees was formed that flourishing
Lamasery, the fame of which extends to the remotest confines of Tartary.
It is called Kounboum, from two Thibetian words signifying Ten Thousand
Images, and having allusion to the tree which, according to the legend,
sprang from Tsong-Kaba's hair, and bears a Thibetian character on each of
its leaves.

It will here be naturally expected that we say something about this tree
itself. Does it exist? Have we seen it? Has it any peculiar
attributes? What about its marvellous leaves? All these questions our
readers are entitled to put to us. We will endeavour to answer as
categorically as possible.

Yes, this tree does exist, and we had heard of it too often during our
journey not to feel somewhat eager to visit it. At the foot of the
m