of the hill, it may be sufficient to state that it is of
irregular shape, half a mile in length from north to south, and of
varying width, but on an average one thousand feet wide. The approach
to the top of the hill was strongly guarded. Although buildings were
observed covering the whole top of the hill, yet they were in two
principal groups. This cut, though but one of many, will give us very
good ideas of all the ruins. It is seen to be an inclosure. It is on
a small scale. It was one hundred and fifty feet square. We notice
terraces on three sides. These terraces are three feet high by twelve
wide, and in the center of each side are steps by which to descend to
the square.<26> Each terrace is backed by a wall, portions of which are
seen in the engraving. These walls are twenty feet high by eight or nine
in thickness. The openings seen in the wall are not properly doors, as
they extend to the top of the wall.

This court, encompassed by terraces, is a peculiar feature. It is
different from any thing we know of, either north or south.<27> Courts,
surrounded by buildings located on terraces, are common enough, but
all accounts of these ruins say nothing of buildings. We remember the
inclosures that surrounded the houses clustered in groups on the Rio
Gila. We think this comes near to being a development of the same idea.
The low walls of the former inclosure are here quite pretentious pieces
of masonry. In some cases two or more of these inclosed courts are
joined by openings.

The opening in the wall on the right of the engraving leads into a
perfect inclosed square of two hundred feet. In one case a range of
pillars was noticed parallel with the walls, and distant twenty-three
feet. These are supposed to have supported the roof of the portico, and
houses of a rude description might have been ranged along under this
roof, which has since completely vanished. Back of this square, but not
very well shown on the drawing, rises a precipitous hill. A pyramid is
placed in the center of the side towards the hill. It is only nineteen
feet high,<28> but is divided into five stages or stories.<29>

This pyramid will serve as an example of numerous other pyramids
scattered over the summit of the hill. They are made of stone. The
largest one, whose dimensions are given, is fifty feet square, and
the same in height. In front of the pyramid, and in the center of the
square, are the remains of an altar. In view of the altar and