93.4 A Prig 1 an - [December, 



judgment than did the later race, who built the wonderful city on 

 the shore of Lake Tezcuco — a lake whose only outlet is the at- 

 mosphere. In fact, the government has finally been compelled to 

 attempt the artificial drainage of this lake ; a contract for the con- 

 struction of a canal for this purpose having been already made. 



The principal works at Teotihuacan consist of two truncated 

 pyramids — the "Mound of the Sun" and the "Mound of the 

 Moon." The first measures 761 by 722 feet at the base, 216 feet 

 in height, and its platform measures 59 by 105 feet, according to 

 the figures of Sefior Garcia y Cubas. 



From a distance a zigzag pathway leading up its eastern side is 

 plainly discernible, but from either its foot or its summit -the path- 

 way is not noticed. In the centre of the platform stands a pillar 

 of stone and cement, five feet in diameter, and four and a half feet 

 high. Two explanations of this pillar may be offered. In case 

 the pyramid was a religious structure, the pillar may have been 

 used as an altar, or a pedestal for some sculptured image. If the 

 pyramid was an astronomical structure, a possibility by no means 

 remote when we remember the knowledge of astronomy possessed 

 by this race, the pillar was doubtless a part of the apparatus em- 

 ployed in observing the movements of the heavenly bodies. 



From this summit we look to the north and see a series of 

 beautifully rounded hills which look as if they might have been 

 made by the hand of man, so regular are their outlines. To the 

 west is the hill which hides from our view the lovely valley of 

 Mexico. 



In the distance, toward the south, are the white peaks of Popo- 

 catapetl, Ixtacihuatl and Malinchc, while at our feet we may see 

 the villages of San Juan, San Sebastian, San Martin and Santa 

 Maria, so near that we can catch the sound of their bells as they 

 ring out from the white tower ot the Spanish-built churches. 



The "Mound of the Moon," according to our former authority, 

 measures 512 by 426 feet at the base, 137 feet in height, and has 

 a platform 19^ feet square. In addition there is a step or plat- 

 form about half way from base to summit. From near this mound 

 extends an avenue between two rows of singular ruins to the Ri° 

 San Juan, a distance of more than a mile. This is called the 

 " Path of the Dead," and passes by the " Mound of the Sun " on 

 the west. These ruins have the appearance of immense houses^ 

 which have been totally destroyed, leaving only great masses o 



