54 COPAN. 



The remainder of the inscription on the sides has a consecutive series of numerals 

 running through it, and appears to have been made up of a number of short sentences 

 or paragraphs. 



This arrangement is clearly shown on Plate LXX., where the inscription is redrawn 

 and the paragraphs placed one under the other. 



The east face or back of the monument (Plates LXVI. (a), LXXL, and LXXII.) is 

 completely covered by an inscription, in which the glyphs are arranged on a ribbon 

 in diagonal lines, an arrangement which is not met with elsewhere. 



As it is improbable that the sculptor could have thus arranged the glyphs without 

 some pattern to refer to, I tried to construct such a pattern with strips of paper, and 

 succeeded in making a plait all in one piece, which is figured on Plate LXXL The 

 heading and first five glyphs of the Initial series are fairly distinct, and clearly indicate 

 where the plait should commence, and it will be seen that the last glyph on the plait 

 (No. 48) lies exactly opposite the heading. The most difficult part of the arrangement 

 of the plait is at the bottom, where unfortunately the carving is much worn ; but 

 although it may be possible to turn this part of the plait somewhat differently, no 

 other arrangement is likely to alter the sequence of the glyphs to any great extent. 



On the assumption that this plan for the numbering of the glyphs is correct, another 

 copy of the inscription is given on Plate LXXIL, in which the glyphs are arranged 

 in the usual form of double columns, so as to facilitate comparison with other- 

 inscriptions. 



Altar K. (Plate LXXIIL, a.) 



This is a small flat-topped altar about 2 feet 6 inches square and 1 foot high. The 

 inscription given on Plate LXXIIL (a) is carved on the four sides. 



Altar L. (Plate LXXIIL, b.) 



This is a block of stone measuring about 3 feet 7 inches square and 2 feet 3 inches 

 high, carved on one side only. A drawing made from a plaster cast is given on 

 Plate LXXIIL (b). 



