88 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO, 



executed in Mexico, and of native materials, 

 It is of such size as to occupy a considerable 

 part of the Cathedral, and to reach into the 

 dome. Its fault is that it is too large, being 

 disproportionate to the building in which it is 

 placed, and also too modern to harmonize 

 with the surrounding objects. The materials 

 are the most beautiful marble and precious 

 stones that can be found in New Spain : its 

 numerous and lofty columns, with plinths and 

 capitals of burnished gold, the magnificent 

 altar of silver, crowded with statues, &c. 

 have an unequalled effect. I know nothing 

 equal to it in Europe ; and only regret that 

 it does not belong to a building more worthy 

 of its possession. 



The side-altars are all crowded to excess 

 with statues, carving, gilding, silver can- 

 delabras, balustrades, gold chandeliers, &c. 

 Amongst the numerous paintings that are de- 

 posited in panels, set in superb frames, are 



