FEWKES] HISTORY 73 
ber rise somewhat above those of the peripheral is evident from a distance, long before 
one approaches the ruin. This architectural feature imparts a certain pyramidal out- 
line to the pile, rendering it somewhat difficult to make out the relationship of the 
different parts. The departure of the outer face of the external walls from a vertical 
line, which deviation is probably due in part at least, possibly wholly, to atmospheric 
erosion and natural destruction, the falling in of the material of which the upper courses 
are made, is a marked feature of the vertical lines of the external walls on all sides. 
[Fig. 7.] The débris within the chambers on the present floor ! is evidently in part 
Fic. 7. Casa Grande ruin, from the south. 
the result of the falling in of roofs and floors of upper stories, but no large fragments 
indicating the character or position of such in place could be found. 
The orientation of the ruin corresponds to the cardinal points. From my want of 
instruments of precision, I was not able to determine its true position or to state accu- 
rately the exact orientation of the ground plan; but by means of a pocket compass, it 
1 Several persons have told me that it was but a few years ago when wooden beams and lintels were to 
be seen in situ in the building. These informants have also told me that within a short time the walls 
were much better preserved than at present. As far as I have examined the ruin, not a fragment of wood 
still remains, although the holes from which the vigas [beams] have been taken can still be readily 
seen in several places. 
