ABSTRACT
A t some diftance to the North of Lhasd, at the foot of the mountains is another very large monaftery and university called Serd, where live several Lamds, many Mafters and Doftors, and thousands of monks, as I have described in the monaftery of Bree-bung. Sera is like a big town. It is entirely surrounded by walls, save where it abuts on a high mountain. Streets and squares are well laid out, and the houses are tall and well built. There are two great temples with Idols, and several palaces, residences of the Lamds and chief priefts of the temples.29 On the
summit of another mountain to the Eaft of the monastery of Serd, is a convent of nuns. Between these two mountains a narrow road goes Northwards across the Eaftern Desert to Cocconor [Koko-nor] of Lower Tartary and to China. This valley is easily defended by a small garrison againft any number of enemies who might attempt to assail Lhasd.
