A Burmese paper of Mandalay contains a long account of the preparations that are being made for the funeral of a much-revered Buddhist bishop who died, or, as the Burmese express it, “returned,” some time ago. It is well known that in such a case the body is kept in the monastery for weeks, months even, until all the funds necessary have been collected, and the preparations for the cremation brought to a close. In Dalla, some time ago, an old phoongyi was thus kept several months, gilt all over, just like a statue. In the present instance the elders and other influential persons in Mandalay decided at a recent meeting to have a coffin made, the cost of which is to be above Rs. 3,000. It is to be covered with pure gold and ornamented with silver designs. It will be placed on the representation of a white elephant, made according to the ideal type described in the Buddhist scriptures. There is probably no other nation in the world so lavish of their money on things useless as are the Burmese; and if they could be induced to spend it for humanitarian purposes, Burma would certainly be one of the richest of countries in useful public institutions.—Indian Witness.