PREFACE. 



My first journey through the Central-American forests in search of the ruins of 

 ancient Indian towns, during the winter of 1882-83, was merely a journey of curiosity, 

 and I had no intention whatever of making a study of American archaeology. How- 

 ever, the interest awakened by the sight of the truly wonderful monuments which it 

 was my good fortune to behold induced me to undertake other and better-equipped 

 expeditions, and the kindly encouragement and splendid liberality of the Editors of 

 the 'Biologia Centrali- Americana ' led to the results of my journeys being published 

 in the present form. 



I was at a loss to know how best to make use of my notes and collections, when 

 Mr. Godman kindly offered to relieve me of all the expense of printing and the 

 reproduction of plates, and to publish my work as an addition to the ' Biologia Centrali- 

 Americana,' if 1 would supply all necessary photographs, drawings, and plans, and a 

 written memoir. I was naturally delighted to accept this generous offer, and from that 

 day to this every assistance and the most valuable advice has been afforded me by my 

 Editors, and the work has gone on without a hitch. I am glad to have this oppor- 

 tunity of thanking Mr. Godman for his unfailing patience and kindness during the 

 many years over which the publication has extended, and to offer him my condolence 

 on the loss of his co-editor and lifelong friend, Mr. Osbert Salvin, whose kindly nature 

 endeared him to all, and by whose sound judgment and sympathetic advice I have been 

 guided and encouraged for so many years. 



Since the publication of Stephens and Catherwood's works in 1840-41, Central 

 America had been almost neglected as a field of archaeological research, owing no 

 doubt, in a large measure, to the difficulties of travel and the disturbed state of the 



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