186 
MEXICO. 
RESTORATION OF THE PYRAMID OF XOCHICALCO. 
Such, in all probability — from the authority of unimpeachable tradi- 
tions, and the remains now crumbling to ruins and overgrown with the 
forest at its base — such, was the Pyramid of Xochicalco, when it first rose 
aloft covered with its curious symbols of mystic rites, and received from 
the Indian builders its dedication to the gods, or to the glory of some 
sovereign whose bones were to moulder within. Who those builders and 
consecrate rs were no one can tell. There is no tradition of them or of 
the temple. When first discovered, no one knew to what it had been 
devoted, 'or who had built it. It had outlasted both history and memory ! 
But no matter who built, or what nation used it as temple or tomb, 
those who conceived and executed it were persons of taste, refinement and 
civilization ; and I venture to assert, that no one who examines the figures 
with which it is covered, can fail to connect the designers with the people 
who dwelt and worshipped in the palaces and temples of Uxmal and 
Palenque. 
Fragmentary fragment as this pyramid is, it may still be deemed in 
outline, material, carving, design, and execution, one of the most remark- 
able of the antiquities of America. It denotes, besides, an ancient civili- 
zation and architectural progress, that may well entitle the inhabitants of 
our Continent to the character of an Original race. On the other hand, 
(for those who are fond of tracing resemblances, and believe that whatever 
there was of art, science, or cultivation among the aborigines, came fron- 
the " old world,") there is much in the shape, proportions and sculptures 
of this pyramid, to connect its architects with the Egyptians. 
