"We invite (you to take) rice." We raised our clasped hands: "_Ching, ching_," we replied, "we invite (you to go on), we invite," and passed on.

They were bent upon enjoyment.

They were taking as an _aperitif_ a preliminary cup of that awful spirit _tsiu_, which is almost pure alcohol and can be burnt in lamps like methylated spirit.
On the level sward, between this poor temple and the city, the annual Thibetan Fair is held on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of April, when caravans of Thibetans, with herds of ponies, make a pilgrimage from their mountain villages to the ancient home of their forefathers.

But the fair is falling into disfavour owing to the increasing number of likin-barriers on the northern trade routes.
There are many temples in Tali.

The finest is the Confucian Temple, with its splendid halls and pavilions, in a beautiful garden.