348 



INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



tion and symmetry approaching the Greek models. On 

 the top of this roof is a narrow platform, supporting 

 what, for the sake of description, I shall call two stories. 

 The platform is but two feet ten inches wide, and the 

 superstructure of the first story is seven feet five inches 

 in height ; that of the second eight feet five inches, the 

 width of the two being the same. The ascent from one 

 to the other is by square projecting stones, and the cov- 

 ering of the upper story is of flat stones laid across and 

 projecting over. The long sides of this narrow struc- 

 ture are of open stucco work, formed into curious and 

 indescribable devices, human figures with legs and arms 

 spreading and apertures between ; and the whole was 

 once loaded with rich and elegant ornaments in stucco 

 relief. Its appearance at a distance must have been 

 that of a high, fanciful lattice. Altogether, like the rest 

 of the architecture and ornaments, it was perfectly 

 unique, different from the works of any other people 

 with which we were familiar, and its uses and purposes 

 entirely incomprehensible. Perhaps it was intended as 

 an observatory. From the upper gallery, through open- 

 ings in the trees growing around, we looked out over 

 an immense forest, and saw the Lake of Terminos and 

 the Gulf of Mexico. 



Near this building was another interesting monument, 

 which had been entirely overlooked by those who prece- 

 ded us in a visit to Ealenque, and I mention this fact in 

 the hope that the next visiter may discover many things 

 omitted by us. It lies in front of the building, about 

 forty or fifty feet down the side of the pyramidal struc- 

 ture. When we first passed it with our guide it lay on 

 its face, with its head downward, and half buried by 

 an accumulation of earth and stones. The outer side 

 was rough and unhewn, and our attention was attract- 



