1887. | NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 47 
that, during all that time, the country has been as free from earth- 
quakes as it now is. 
Fifteen miles east of Aké is the historic city of Izamal, 
famous long before the conquest as a resort of pilgrims, these 
even coming from Xibalba, now known as Chiapas and Guate- 
mala. Many of the ancient monuments at Izamal have been 
destroyed to build dwellings and pave streets; but there are still 
some large mounds that are a source of wonder to the inhabit- 
ants. One on the north of the square, has a gradual ascent of 
broad steps on the south side, and an almost perpendicular one on 
the north. It is built on a very extensive terrace 34 feet high, 
and 272 feet wide. The mound itself is 34 feet high, its summit 
being 68 feet above the ground. ‘The upper platform was nearly 
23 feet square, and upon it once stood the temple of Kinich- 
kakmo (fiery macaw with eyes like the sun). This goddess is 
said to have descended from heaven in the form of a macaw 
every day, and set fire to the offerings on her altar. 
At the base of the monument, on the east side, Dr. Le 
Plongeon discovered asmall opening, and, in the hope of finding 
chambers, penetrated to a distance of about 30 feet, but a dry 
stone wall prevented further progress. To the north he per- 
ceived an aperture through which he succeeded in passing, 
then found that he had no room to stand upright. On all-fours 
he advanced about 45 feet, making his way among immense 
blocks of stone that form the foundation of the structure. 
Again the way was blocked. Retracing his steps, he noticed 
that a strong current of air came through one part of the stone 
wall. Accordingly he had an opening made there, and pene- 
trated about 75 feet in a westerly direction. He had to crawl, 
and his back touched the stony roof above. At the end of 
that small passage, there was a place where he could sit up- 
right. To the left there was an opening almost blocked with 
earth that had sifted through between the stones. ‘The space 
was too small to admit his shoulders, but looking through he 
saw achamber about 13 feet long and ten wide. On its south 
side there was an entrance to a subterranean passage, leading 
in the direction of another large mound. 
On the west side of the square of Izamal stands a mound 
called by the natives Aadeel (the working hand). It was adorned 
with a frieze ornamented with stucco figures in high relief, 
representing human sacrifices, and surrounded by inscriptions, 
some of which have been interpreted by Dr. Le Plongeon. 
Among the ruins of the city of Chichen Itza, a very ancient 
mausoleum was opened by Dr. Le Plongeon, and many curious 
things brought to light. In a large urn were the cremated 
remains of a certain prophet named Cay, who was deified after 
