had not been occupied for centuries.
They were built upon the most fertile tracts of the valley, where were
signs of acequias (irrigating ditches) and of cultivation. The walls
were of solid masonry, of rectangular form, some twenty or thirty paces
in length, were of solid masonry, and yet remaining ten or fifteen feet
in height. The buildings were of two stories, with small apertures or
loop-holes for defence, when besieged."<31>

Mr. Bandelier confirms this account as to the number of ruins. The
entire valley of the Verde is filled with ruins of every description.
From the account of the valley itself, we can see how well suited it was
to the needs of village Indians. Mr. Leroux speaks in high praise of its
fertility. Wood, water, and grass were abundant. In the neighborhood of
Fort Reno Mr. Bandelier discovered a new architectural feature of great
interest to us. This is a raised platform, on which the buildings were
supported. This raised platform is a very important feature, as we shall
learn in the ruins of Mexico and Central America. We have already seen
how it was employed by the Mound Builders.

In other words, the detached houses are seen to form villages, with a
central stronghold, and the tendency is observed to raise an artificial
foundation for this central house, which draws into itself the
surrounding houses. This is but another modification of the same idea
which, in other sections of this area developed into the communal
pueblo. Near Tempe a still more significant arrangement was noticed.
Here was a four-sided platform, three hundred and forty feet long by
two hundred and eighty feet wide, and five feet high, supported a second
platform measuring two hundred and forty by two hundred feet, and
six feet high. Elevated platforms, as a general rule, were not very
distinct. Mr. Bandelier thinks that, owing to the peculiar drainage of
the country, these artificial foundations were required to preserve the
buildings from being swept away by a sudden torrent. The settlement of
the sedentary tribes in this region cluster on the triangle formed by
the Rio Verde, Salado, and Gila Rivers. "This is a warm region, with
a scanty rainfall, and but little timber, and the soil is very fertile
when irrigated, and two crops a year can be readily raised. Mr.
Bandelier regards it as exceedingly well adapted to the wants of a
horticultural people, and even traces in it some resemblance to Lower
Egypt."

A very celebrated