SIX MONTHS IN 



MEXICO. 



49 



feet deep, and upwards of seventeen in length 

 and breadth. The half of every chamber 

 was covered with flat stones : and stakes were 

 fixed in the wall, on which they might sleep, 

 and be defended from rain. The other half 

 of the chamber was only covered with a lat- 

 tice, through which they enjoyed the light of 

 the sun. For the support of these birds, 

 were killed, daily, near five hundred turkeys. 

 In the same house were many low halls filled 

 with a great number of strong wooden cages, 

 in which lions, tigers, wolves, cayatoo, and 

 wild cats were confined, and all other kinds 

 of wild beasts ; which were fed upon deer, 

 rabbits, hares, techichis, and other animals, 

 and the intestines of human sacrifices. 



" The king of Mexico not only kept all the 

 species of animals which other princes do for 

 state, but likewise such as by nature seemed 

 exempted from slavery — namely, crocodiles 

 and serpents. The serpents were kept in 



VOL. II. E 



