an the ruins of this temple, are the statues
and altars peculiar to this region. Mr. Stephens found fourteen of them.
It seems very singular, indeed, to come upon these statues in the depth
of a Central American forest, and they give us an idea of the state of
advancement of these old tribes that nothing else does. They raise many
queries. Why is it that so many are found here--so few elsewhere? Are
they statues of noted personages, or idols? We are powerless to
answer these questions. These secrets will only be yielded up when the
hieroglyphics with which they are covered shall be read.

The places where these statues are found is seen to the right of the
main body of ruins. It will be seen that only one is within the terrace
area of the temple. Three others are situated near it, but the majority
are near the southern end of the inclosure. We are not given the
dimensions of all, but the smallest one given is eleven feet, eight
inches high, by three feet, four inches width and depth; the
largest, thirteen feet high, four feet wide, and three feet deep. No
inconsiderable part of the labor on the statues must have been that of
quarrying the large blocks of stone out of which they were carved, and
transporting them to the place where found. They came from the same
quarry as the other stones used in building; and so were transported
a distance of about two miles. Mr. Stephens found, about midway to the
quarry, a gigantic block, "which was probably on its way thither, to be
carved and set up as an ornament, when the labors of the workmen were
arrested."

Illustration of Copan Statue.----------------

There is such a similarity in all these statues that a representation
of one will suffice. This is the representation of one of the largest
statues. It is seen to be standing on a sort of pedestal. A face
occupies a central position on the front. Some of the faces have what
may be a representation of a beard. In all but one, the expression is
calm and peaceful. They were once painted red. Traces of color were
still visible at the time of Mr. Stephens's visit. In all but one the
hands are represented as placed back to back on the breast.

The complicated headdress and the ornaments on the robes utterly
defy description. The sides and back of the statues are covered with
hieroglyphics, though now and then a face is introduced. A side view
of another statue shows this feature. All are convinced that we have in
these hierogl