An Account of the Kingdom of Nepaul; Being the Substance of Observations Made During a Mission to That Country, in the Year 1793 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1811. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... from those consecrated pebbles of the Gunduck, known by the name of Salegrams. Our surprize, however, on this occasion, will be diminished, if it does not entirely vanish, on considering, that while the unremitted jealousy with which the administration of the country had at all times discouraged the free ingress of strangers deprived us of the means of acquiring accurate information, it was also calculated in some degree to confirm the impression which had been received of its natural riches, and which the government of Nepaul itself has, though most probably not intentionally, contributed to keep up by occasionally sending specimens of gold ore to the Governor General of India, by way of presents, or curiosities. It is now pretty clear, however, that, except the small quantity sifted out of the sands of certain rivulets, which pass through, without rising in the Nepaul territories, these latter produce not a grain of gold. It is true I have heard of a gold mine in the neighbourhood of Listie, but if any thing more be meant by the account than the scanty particles of gold dust sometimes discovered in the beds of the torrents which rush through the Kuchir in that quarter, I am inclined to believe it is not situated within the Nepaul limits. It it also true that Summerpa (the fugitive Lama of Teeshoo Loomboo, or Diggercheh), who, by taking refuge with the Goorkhali, occasioned the late war between Nepaul and China, and who appears to have been a person of considerable science, gave the government of Khatmanda reason to hope that the precious metals might be discovered in its dominions. It is equally certain, however, that his researches proved fruitless, as I have been assured that the produce of his various experiments did not defray the expenses attending them. ...