EXCURSION TO THE BIRTA-PLACE OF MONTEZUMA, 421 
not less than 1000 feet long, by an average width of about one hundred feet. On 
the north side, this passage is defended by a stone wall running along the edge 
of the rock for a distance of about 300 feet. For the remainder of the distance 
to the foot of the bluff upon which the ruined village is built, there is no sign of 
any work done by man. | 
At the foot of the bluff just mentioned, we come upon the remains of a stone 
wall which runs around both sides of the plateau from village to church, being in its 
whole length not less than 2000 feet. This wall seems to have been intended for 
defense, as it is located on the extreme edge of the plateau, all around, just 
where the steep and almost perpendicular declivity begins. 
Commencing here, weare amazed at the size of these ruins. (4.) The buildings 
were commenced at the foot of the bluff, the rooms of the first story being, say, 8x10 
feet and about 7 feet in height. The rooms on this floor have no doors in the side- 
walls, but are entered from the roof, which is reached by a ladder. Upon this 
story another is built which sets back from the front of the first, and like it leans 
against the side of the bluff. This story has doors in the front of the rooms, 
which are entered from the roof of the lower story. In this way as many as six 
or seven stories are built one upon another, and the buildings are extended later- 
ally as far as the necessities of the community demand, all united as closely togeth- 
er as cells in a honey-comb. 
i PUEBLO VILLAGE AT TAOS, NEW MEXICO; NOW INHABITED. 
