142 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



eluding a building behind the altar, and 

 stands in the great square, occupying the 

 of the grand temple, or Teocalli, of the 

 ancient Mexicans ; most of their idols or 

 gods, which were of stone, and of consi- 

 derable size and weight, are said to be 

 buried under its foundations, and below the 

 pavement of the square. The exterior is far 

 preferable to that of the cathedral of Puebla 

 de los Angeles, but still it is rather heavy, 

 and the architecture is of the mixed kind. 



On entering I felt something like disap- 

 pointment, notwithstanding the extent and 

 magnificence of the interior. The centre is 

 nearly filled by ponderous erections which 

 entirely obstruct its otherwise fine appearance, 

 and the high altar as well as that of the 

 cathedral of Puebla, is too large for the space 

 it occupies. Like most of the churches in this 

 country, it is loaded with a profusion of 

 massive carved and gilt ornaments, pictures, 



