» 
AND VISIT TO GASAS GRANDES. 353 
few feet on either side, still tower far above the other 
parts, resembling at a distance the isolated columns of 
a ruied temple. In so ruinous a state are these 
buildings, that it is extremely difficult to trace their 
original form. In approaching them one first meets 
with the low walls or embankment, which any where 
else would be taken for a work of nature; but the 
transverse heaps connecting them with the standing 
walls at once show them to have been similar, though 
of less height. A closer inspection brings to view a 
portion of a corner which has not fallen. As the vis- 
itor approaches the interior, where the edifice is in 
a better state of preservation, he becomes confused 
among the erect and fallen portions; for the longer 
sides are mostly prostrated, while the shorter ones, and 
those forming angles, are standing. In this dilemma 
I found it best to take a stand upon the highest point, 
which is a mound in the very centre of the erect 
walls, as well as the centre of the edifice. From this 
point, after having examined and traced the exterior 
portion, one may forma tolerably correct idea as to the 
arrangement of the edifice. It was not until I had walked 
several times around it and traced its inner apartments, 
that I could satisfy myself of its actual outline. 
| At first I believed that there were three separate 
buildings, even when I took my sketch, as there were 
three large heaps, apparently unconnected, each having 
portions of erect walls. But on closer examination, | 
found that they had been connected by a low range of 
buildings, which may have been merely courts, as they 
were of but one story. On the supposition, there- 
fore, that all were connected either by low buildings or 
VOL. I1.—23 
