ies in the surface, as here represented, were then
filled with cement, thus furnishing a smooth surface, which was then
painted. The two outer walls were plentifully supplied with doorways;
the central wall had but few. We are only given the description of one,
which may not apply to all. This one, opposite the entrance on the
east side, has a trefoil-shaped arch over the door, thus giving it
this shape. Besides the few doorways, the central wall had numerous
depressions, or niches, some of which served for ventilation, others for
the support of beams, and perhaps others as receptacles for torches or
idols. This principle of construction is substantially the same for
all the buildings in the interior of the court, and indeed for all the
buildings at Palenque.

Illustration of Trefoil Arch.-----------------

Passing through the doorway just described, we come into the second
corridor, and continuing through that, we come to what was once a large
court; but, as we stated, it was subsequently built over so as to
leave only a few courts. The largest one, eighty by seventy feet, is
immediately before us, with a range of steps leading down into it. On
each side of the stairway is sculptured, on stucco, a row of grim and
gigantic figures. The engraving opposite represents the same. "They are
adorned with rich headdresses and necklaces, but their attitude is
that of pain and trouble. The design and anatomical proportions of the
figures are faulty, but there is a force of expression about them which
shows the skill and conceptive force of the artist." From this small
court stairways lead to the other buildings situated around it.

Illustration of Entrance to Principal Court.--------------

Stucco ornaments were plentiful. In one room, rather more richly
ornamented than the others, was found a stone tablet, which is the only
important piece of stone sculpture about the palace. We are told it is
of hard stone, four feet long by three feet wide, and the sculpture is
in bas-relief. It is set in the wall, and around it are the remains of
a rich stucco border. Its significance is unknown. We must notice the
small medallion, containing a face, suspended by a necklace of pearls
from the neck of the principal figure. Mr. Stephens conjectures that it
may represent the sun. Mr. Waldeck gives a drawing of this same subject;
but instead of a face, he represents a cross.<13>

Illustration of Stone Tablet.---------------

In