RUINS OF ZEKILNA. 



125 



This place had been the object of one of my 

 bootless visits from Nohcacab. The account I had 

 heard was of an apartment containing an altar for 

 burning copal, with traces of its use as left by the an- 

 cient inhabitants. When I had arrived where it 

 was necessary to turn off, it was some time before the 

 Indian could discover any signs of a path ; and when 

 found, he had to clear every step of the way. By 

 that time my views on the subject of ruined cities 

 had become practical, and, perceiving the discomfort 

 and hardship that must attend an exploration in so 

 desolate a place, I did most earnestly hope that the 

 path would lead to nothing that might require a sec- 

 ond visit. I dismounted, and leading my horse as 

 the Indian cleared the way, we came to a broken^ 

 stony ascent, climbing up which I discovered that 

 we were upon the top of an ancient terrace. A fine 

 alamo tree was growing on the terrace, under which 

 I tied my horse, and descending on the other side, 

 we crossed a closely-wooded hollow, which, from 

 the excessive heat, I supposed to be between two 

 mounds. In a few moments I found myself ascend- 

 ing the side of a lofty stone structure, on the top of 

 which were the remains of a large building, with its 

 walls fallen, and the whole side of the mound strew- 

 ed with sculptured stones, a scene of irrecoverable 

 ruin. Descending on the other side of this struc- 

 ture, we reached a broad platform, in a good state 

 of preservation, with trees growing upon it, without 

 brush or underwood, but so teeming with insects and 



