SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



129 



judge from their works), were probably an 

 enlightened people, existing and flourishing 

 Ions* before the Continent of America was 

 known to Europe, and yet a people whose 

 customs, costume, religion, and architecture, 

 strongly resembled those of an enlightened 

 nation of Africa, which may be said to have 

 ceased to exist twenty centuries before this 

 continent was discovered. — Who can solve 

 this difficulty ? 



Early the next morning we visited the 

 Indian village of Huexotla, about two miles 

 from Tezcuco. It was once a place of con* 

 siderable importance, as its extensive and 

 strong walls, and other ruins remaining, still 

 amply testify. On our approach we observed 

 several of the small pyramidical teocallis 

 or mounts, composed of alternate layers of 

 clay and unburnt brick; one of them had 

 evidently an entrance to the centre, which 

 was discovered by part of it having fallen in. 



VOL. IT. K 



