Mandalay, Or Pattawapura Mandelay, the present capital of the kingdon of Burmah, a little N. of the former capital Amarapura, 3 m. from the Irrawaddy river, and 350 m. N. of Rangoon; pop. about 90,000. In 1856 its site was occupied by cultivated fields; but after the royal determination to select a new capital, its erection was carried forward so rapidly that by July, 1857, it was ready for the recep-tion of the court. The city is laid out in three parallelograms, one within another, of which only the two inner are walled. Within the inmost is the palace, which is also defended by high palisades, and surrounded by courtyards gardens, and pools. Within this square are also the various offices of government.The second enclosure contains the houses of the civil and m.htary officers and the soldiers' quarters, and is lad out m wide streets crossing at right angles. it is surrounded by a high wall flanked with strong towers, with four massive gates which are locked at night. There is also a deep ditch. A wide interval separates this quarter from the outer city, which is occupied by the merchants, mechanics, etc.

The fortifications are massive, and the palace, pagodas, and cloisters are brilliant with color and gold; but the city still resembles the encampment of a tribe of nomads, and many of the dwellings are little more permanent than tents. Water is obtained from the river by a canal, which to obtain a proper level has to be carried a distance of 16 m. Postal communication with Rangoon is kept up by dak boats, which niakc the voyage in eight days.

Mandelay.