Mandalay, the Burmese Capital.
MANDALAY, or Mandalé, the capital of Burmah, lies about three miles from the Irrawaddy River, on rising ground below Mandalé Hill. The present capital of the land of Ava was founded about 1853 by the father of the present king of Burmah, the ancient capital being Ava, situated twenty miles below Mandalay. The city consists of two concentric fortified squares, the outer being defended by high brick walls, and earth-works thrown up on the inside. Four gates give admittance into the city, over each of which rises a tower with seven gilded roofs, similar though smaller towers adorning the wall at intervals. The houses of the inhabitants are all in separate inclosures, bordering on broad, well-kept streets, along which is the “king's fence,” a latticed palisade, behind which the Burmese hide themselves when the king passes. The central or royal square is surrounded by an outer stockade of teak timber, twelve feet high, and an inner wall. Two gates opposite each other are the entrances into this inclosure, which contains the Government offices and the royal mint on one side. On the other is another wall and a cage gateway opening into the palace inclosure. Passing through this gateway, a large open area is seen, and on the opposite side arises a building crowned by nine roofs richly gilded and surmounted by a golden htee, an umbrella adorned with a coronal of tinkling bells. This marks the audience hall; and the royal abode being considered sacred, all entering that apartment are required to take off their shoes. To the left can be seen the abode of the “white” elephant; this animal being scarcely distinguishable from any other93elephant, except that the skin of the head is of a slightly paler hue than the rest of the body. The royal gardens and the palace buildings are situated in the rear of the central hall, the former being both grand and picturesque.—Sel.