278 RUINS OF CENTRAL AMERICA. 



Mounds similar to those found in the valley of the Mis- 

 sissippi have been discovered in Honduras. But by far the 

 most interesting remains are those of Palenque, in Chiapas ; 

 of ,Copan, in Honduras ; and of Uxmal and Chi-chen, in 

 Yucatan. Here are extensive ruins of cities, containing the 

 remains of pyramids, and the walls of massive buildings, broken 

 columns, altars, statues, and numberless sculptured fragments, 

 showing that a large population inhabited this country, and 

 that the people had attained a considerable knowledge of the 

 arts, though, at the same time, they seem to have been sunk 

 in the grossest idolatry. 



In the western part of Honduras, adjoining the province of 

 Guatemala, are extensive ruins, which stretch for more than 

 two miles along the banks of the river Copan. The outer 

 walls, which run north and south along the margin of the 

 stream, are from sixty to ninety feet high ; while other walls, 

 of a similar character, surround the principal ruins. Within 

 these walls are extensive terraces and pyramidal buildings, 

 massive stone columns, idols, and altars covered with sculp- 

 ture. The numerous terraces and pyramids are also walled 

 with cut stone, and ornamented with carved heads of gigantic 

 proportions, and colossal idols of solid stone from ten to fifteen 

 feet in height. The altars in front of the statues are of single 

 blocks of stone, many of them richly carved, but all differing 

 from each other. One of the most remarkable altars stands 

 on four globes cut out of the same stone. It is six feet 

 square and four feet high, its top covered with hieroglyphics, 

 while each side represents four individuals. The figure is 

 sitting cross-legged, in the Oriental fashion, and the head- 

 dresses are remarkable for their curious and complicated forms. 

 All have breastplates, and each holds some article in his hand. 



