ead another
monstrous head, representing some fierce animal. The heads of several
of the idols are thus surmounted. These symbolical heads were probably
introduced with the same object as those which were so general among the
Egyptian idols.

In the midst of this collection of idols are two or more oblong stones,
on the sides of which are hieroglyphical inscriptions. In the centre
are hollow places, probably designed to receive the blood of the
victims.

It is remarkable that the heads of many of the figures are surmounted
with cross-shaped ornaments similar to the one discovered at Palenque by
Mr Stevens. One of these crosses--which no doubt had their origin in
Babylon, where they are well-known symbols--was set up by the Spaniards
in the convent-church of Tonala, and there venerated.

The Mexicans possessed a symbol called the _Tonacaquahutl_, or "tree of
life," which was represented with branches somewhat in the form of a
cross, surmounted by a bird. This symbol also appears on a tablet
discovered by Mr Stevens at Palenque. In various parts of the country
terra cotta figures have been dug up. Some of them are rude, but others
are extremely artistic; and though not equally graceful, resemble much,
in the form of the limbs, many Egyptian figures. Among them is a figure
from the island of Ometepe, which represents an alligator upon the back
of a human figure, which apparently originally surmounted a large vase.

Mounds similar to those found in the valley of the Mississippi have been
discovered in Honduras. But by far the most interesting remains are
those of Palenque, in Chiapas; of Copan, in Honduras; and of Uxmal and
Chi-chen, in Yucatan. Here are extensive ruins of cities, containing
the remains of pyramids, and the walls of massive buildings, broken
columns, altars, statues, and numberless sculptured fragments, showing
that a large population inhabited this country, and that the people had
attained a considerable knowledge of the arts, though, at the same time,
they seem to have been sunk in the grossest idolatry.

In the western part of Honduras, adjoining the province of Guatemala,
are extensive ruins, which stretch for more than two miles along the
banks of the river Copan. The outer walls, which run north and south
along the margin of the stream, are from sixty to ninety feet high;
while other walls, of a similar character, surround the principal ruins.
Within these walls are extensive terraces