198 



RUINS AT MAPILCA. 



M APILCA . 



A few leagues from Fapantla, near an Indian rancho called Ma- 

 pilca, Mr. Nebel found pyramids, sculptured stones, and the ruins 

 of an extensive city, which it was impossible for him to examine in 

 consequence of the thick vegetation with which they are covered in 

 the dim recesses of the forest. The artist was alone in the wilder- 

 ness, and unaided except by a few indolent Indians who were indis- 

 posed to further his researches. The stone, which is presented in the 

 annexed drawing, is twenty-one feet long, and of a close grained 

 granite ; the figures, carved on its surface, differ from the ancient 

 sculptures found on this side of the Cordilleras, and resemble those 

 found in Oajaca, more than any others in Mexico. Mr. Nebel 

 caused an excavation to be made in front of this relic, which he 

 supposed had once formed part of an edifice, and at some distance 

 below the surface he struck upon a road formed of irregular blocks, 

 not unlike the old Roman pavements. 



