38 The Remains at Pag&n. [No. 1. 



In the basement mouldings, as truly seen in the older buildings, 

 the upper limb is an ogee carved in bold foliation of truly classical 

 character (see PL IV. Tig. 17.) 



This, in the restorations and beautifications, even of such build- 

 ings as the Ananda, has been, by the coarse and tasteless percep- 

 tions of the modern architects, degraded into an idiotic and mis- 

 placed repetition of the battlemented crown of the cornice. 



The basement again always centres in a sort of entablature or 



In May 1803, the apprehension of French intrigue in Burma again induced the 

 Government to send Lieut. Canning as agent to Rangoon. But in consequence 

 of the insolent violence of the Ye-woon, who was in charge of the government 

 there, and insisted on opening all letters, Lieut. Canning judged it best to return 

 in November. 



In 1804, an outrage was perpetrated on a British ship from Penang, which put 

 into Bassein for wood and water. No notice was taken of this. 



1809. Capt. Canning was despatched as agent to Rangoon, with a special view 

 of explaining to the Burmese the nature of our blockade-system, which was then 

 enforced on the French isles, to protect British interests, and to watch the pro- 

 gress of the French in Burma. 



He proceeded to Amarapoora at the king's desire. He met with much better 

 treatment than either of the two last missions to the court, and the explanation, 

 which was the main object of his mission, was effected. But he did not leave 

 without receiving from the Woongyees two most impertinent letters to the Gover- 

 nor General. 



1811. This year commenced those disturbed relations on the Aracan frontier, 

 which eventually led to the war of 1824. A native of Aracan called King Ber- 

 ring, or Khyen-bran, embodied a number of followers within our territory, and 

 invaded Aracan. In September Capt. Canning was sent to give explanations on 

 this matter, and to complain of the conduct of the Governor of Rangoon towards 

 British trade. Whilst he was still at Rangoon a gross violation of our territory 

 was committed by the Governor of Aracan. Additional instructions were sent to 

 Canning to complain of this and to demand the withdrawal of the Burmese troops 

 from the frontier. In consequence of a repetition of the offence he was recalled 

 whilst repeated orders came from Amarapoora to send him to court, by force if 

 necessary. He despatched the presents, but returned to Bengal in August. 



This was the last Mission up to the breaking out of war in 1824. It is not neces- 

 sary to follow here the repeated and complicated encroachments and provocations 

 which led to that event. War was declared on the 5th March, 1824, and the 

 peace of Yandabo was signed on the 24th February, 1826. 



