SANTA CRUZ. : 299 
mented inside and out, and contains many decorations 
new in architecture, partaking neither of the Greek, 
Roman, nor Gothic orders. Along the eaves is a row 
of queer looking creatures, the like of which cannot 
probably be found, even in this country of strange 
animals, The interior is gaudily painted; and from 
the profusion*of gilding, one might suppose the Mis- 
sion to have possessed a gold placer. Around the 
altar, and in the niches, are many wooden statues, 
- from the size of a foot to that of life. The poor Indian 
doubtless believed them all to be saints, and made his 
offerings accordingly, although about one half are 
statues of old Spanish cavaliers and figures of Chinese 
mandarins. There are besides angels and archangels, 
or figures intended to represent celestial beings with 
Wings, five or ‘six, feet high, springing from the walls. 
This church was built towards the close of the last cen- 
tury from the produce of the Mission lands, and is 
throughout in a good state of preservation. It appears 
- that there was a previous structure here, erected by 
Father Kino as early as 1700.* ; : 
What a marked difference there is in Spanish and 
English colonization! Here the zealous Missionary 
preceded all others, planting the cross along with the — 
banner of his country. Then commenced the work of 
baptizing ; and as soon as a sufficient number of con- 
verts had been made, a fertile valley was chosen, and 
@ church erected with buildings to accommodate some 
hundreds. Next came the colonists, whose main efforts 
. . Alegre, Hist. de la Comp. de Jesus en Nueva Espaiia—Tom. iii. 
» 119, 
