Here on the summit of this laterite ledge, 160 feet above the river, they erected the standard of Buddhism, which now lifts its spire to the heavens higher than the dome of St. Paul’s.” But there is an entire absence of any historical confirmation of these traditions, and we have no definite information of the coming of Buddhism to Burmah until Buddhaghosha brought it about 450 A.D. Burmese Buddhism bears a very close resemblance to that of Ceylon. As we have already discussed the principles of Buddhism in general, we shall pass to notice more particularly the temples, idols, festivals and worship of Burmah. A good idea of Burmese Buddhism can be obtained from a visit to its Grand Shway-da-Gong Pagoda. THE SHWAY-DA-GONG PAGODA. The Mecca of Southern Buddhism is the great pagoda, at Rangoon. This the largest building of the kind in Burmah, and, perhaps, also in the world. It is situated about a mile from the city, on a rocky ledge, perhaps 100 feet high, overlooking the valley of the Irrawaddy and the city of Rangoon. The entrance is guarded by two huge griffins of brick and mortar. Passing on between rows of long, narrow sheds, beautifully carved and gaudily painted, and after climbing a staircase, one stands upon an immense stone terrace, upon which the pagoda itself stands. The terrace is nearly 1,000 feet square. The pagoda tapers upwards to a height of 300 feet, and terminates in a h’tee. The pagoda is round in shape, and solid throughout. It is built of bricks, and, unlike the Pyramids of Egypt, there is no chamber in its interior, nothing but the casket containing the staff of Kanthathon, the water-dipper of Gaunagon, a garment of Kathapa and the eight hairs of Gautama. The whole of the exterior is covered with gold-leaf, presenting a dazzling appearance, as it reflects the rays of the sun. The h’tee on the top--the umbrella-shaped finial--is made of a series of gilded iron rings, from which hang a great many little silver and brass bells, which are swung and rung by the wind. Not long ago, the father of the present King of Burmah placed a new h’tee upon the pagoda. It cost him about $300,000. The frame was made of seven gilded iron rings, the largest of which was twelve feet in diameter, and the rest smaller and smaller. Each ring was studded with gems. At the very top was a large emerald. This h’tee was brought to a landing-place about two miles from the pagodas. The road over which it was to come was covered with white cloth by a devout merchant. The pagoda was covered with a frame-work of bamboo, which made it easy to ascend to its top. Weeks of religious festivities were held, during which the worshipers poured their gold, and silver, and precious stones into the pagoda’s treasury. On the day appointed, the old h’tee was removed, and the new one hoisted ring by ring to its place.