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A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE —

EXHIBITION,

ENTITLED

ANCIENT AND MODERN MEXICO;

CONTAINING | A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE PRESENT CITY,

SPECIMENS OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW SPAIN.

MODELS

OF ITS

VEGETABLE PRODUCE, HABITATIONS, COSTUME, &ec. &c. AND OF ;

THE COLOSSAL AND ENORMOUS IDOLS, THE GREAT CALENDAR AND SACRIFICIAL STONES, TEMPLES, PYRAMIDS, AND OTHER EXISTING ANTIQUE REMAINS.

THE WHOLE FORMING THE RATIONALLY INSTRUCTIVE AND INTERESTING

EXHIBITION,

WHICH IS NOW OPEN, FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION, AT THE

EGYPTIAN “HALL, PICCADILLY.

BY WILLIAM BULLOCK, Ee rhON. OF THE LINNEAN, HORTICULTURAL, GEOLOGICAL, AND OTHER . SOCIETIES.

LONDON: ~ PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETORS.

PREFACE.

Tue large assemblage of articles constituting the present Exhi- bition, was collected by Mr. Bullock on the spot during his residence in Mexico, whither he went, in the year 1823, for this especial purpose.

The Collection was formed with the sanction and through the aid of the present Mexican Government; indeed, without such a powerful auxiliary, all endeavours at obtaining many of the inestimably curious articles which comprise the Ancient division

of it would have proved utterly abortive.

It may easily be imagined that no inconsiderable ardour was required in collecting specimens at once so numerous and so varied, from a country heretofore, through the jealousy of the Spaniard, impenetrably closed against foreigners. As its inha~ bitants were, from long habit, accustomed to look with suspicion upon all strangers, it may naturally be supposed they would more particularly distrust one whose pursuits were so new and uncon- genial to them as a mere searcher after Antiquities, and the wonders of Nature—and these difficulties were further increased by the circumstance of the time chosen for the visit, when internal dissentions, inseparable from the vast political changes the country had recently undergone, were by no means thoroughly dissi- pated.—The zeal of the Traveller, in a favourite pursuit, sur- mounted every obstacle, and happily, upon his return to his

“native country, his labours have been appreciated through the

approbation of a discerning public. |

His anticipations of the firm establishment of the present honourable government of Mexico, and his conviction of the reciprocal advantages which would accrue from an intercourse of the most liberal and extended nature between the Mexican and British nations have fortunately received the fullest con-

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firmation. Observations made in the country irresistibly suggested to him, that a people, possessing a fair portion of the natural endowments, and by no means deficient in energy of character, although borne down and kept in utter ignorance by their op- pressive, yet indolent task-masters, wanted but the fostering hand of a free, enlightened and enterprising European nation, to raise them to that rank, which in every political point of view, their situation so well entitled them to enjoy. Possessing a soil inexhaustible in the precious metals, which are the means of — wealth, and fruitful to abundance, in all the generous products :

of. the earth, the knowledge imparted by modern science was

alone wanting to turn those blessmgs to the uses for which a bountiful Providence | doubtless designed them. That Britain might be such protecting power, this traveller never ceased to hope, nor has he ever ceased to employ zealously those means, which circumstances placed in his humble power, to forward an object, which he deemed to be mutually conducive to the hap- piness of both nations. _ The ardour and enterprise of the British

merchant are as pre-eminent as are his honour and good faith 3 in

business transactions, and the skill of our artizans, manufacturers and agriculturists, is as firmly established as are their industry and general good conduct. Fortunately, the liberal policy of our government has at length identified. itself with the wishes of: the people, while a correspondent sentiment, no less universal, per-

vades both the rulers.and people of that ‘+ New World,” which

is now opening to Englishmen sources of wealth and honour un-

equalled at any. former era in- the commercial annals of their : country. Ss :

The. descriptions in. dae Catalaeie are necessarily brief, bat fuller particulars may be obtained from Mr. Bullock’s « Travels in Mexico,” a new edition of which will shortly be > published

as Mr. ae

MODERN MEXICO.

“ [HE primary object that arrests the attention of the visitor, on his en- trance ‘into the gallery, is the Panoramic View of the City of Mexico, the first that was ever exhibited in Europe; taken at the distance of ‘six miles ; from an eminence above the Bishop’s garden, at Tacubaia. The view embraces a portion of the salt water lake of Tezcuco, and the. mountains. of. the Cordillera, which surround the celebrated valley of Mexico. Thissuperb City, (one of. the finest and most regularly built ‘in the world, with its beautiful churches, palaces, and noble streets two miles in length, all crossing each other at right angles,) from its site being flat, appears, from the distance, much less than it really is. ‘The high building in the centre, with a dome and two towers, is the ‘Cathedral, built on the foundation'‘and ruins of the great temple of ‘Mexico; to the right of the city, near the lake, is the little hill called ‘the Penal de los Banos, with its church and hot baths, near which ‘passes the road to Vera Cruz. To the left of the city, near the lake, ‘the white church of our Lady of Guadaloupe is just seen ; and, nearer, the spectator, passes the fine aqueduct of Chepultepec, which supplies the ‘city with water from a distance'of nearly fifteen miles; it leads to.the palace of that name, on an elevated rock in the corner; this isa pleasant ride of about one league from Mexico. — In this view care has.been taken to give the Atmpsphere, the distant sade mae &c. as much of verisimilitude as‘ possible. eS : But; in order.to produce a still stronger and more lively i impression, to show things with perfect accuracy, which a picture can only faintly ‘shadow forth, there isin, front of the ‘panorama a native garden, modelled in bulk from actual’ existence, and flanked by a Mexican Cottage, such: as is found in the country; and» inhabited by the abo- riginal. Indians :—these’ objects leave nothing for the imagination. The strange shapes of the vegetation, the uncouth stems bursting from the earth like architectural colinens, the mixture of the

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‘grotesque form and the rich flower, the rugged and barren soil con- trasted with its gigantic produce, and the few animals introduced to give character to the whole, are indeed reality. And the habitation is _ the same ; the slight cane erection, and thatch of palm leaves, are all that the delicious climate requires for the abode and protection of man. Simple and contented, his wants are consequently few; a net, two or three mats, as many neatly-plaited wicker or straw baskets, and half a dozen vessels of earthenware, complete his scanty furniture ; and his cage-like abode is incumbered with nothing else, except perhaps a large gourd or two, and his curious cloak of leaves, as ample a covering from the wet as any water-proof surtout with which British Ingenuity could supply him. | The tree represented behind the cottage is the Manitas, or hand- fruit, of which see a model of the fruit and flower in another part of — the room, (No. 51) ; that at the corner of the hut isthe Yucca ; opposite this the Pawpaw, with its fine fruits—climbing on its stem is the Mexican Porcupine; near this is the great Torch-thistle, with its fruits —this, in Mexico, grows to the height of thirty feet, and perfectly straight, forming, with its strong spires, fences of the most impene- trable kind ; to the left corner is the great aloe (Agava Americana) with its heantiful flower stems—this is a plant of the greatest conse- quence to the Mexicans, as from it is produced many of the comforts and luxuries of life, among others their principal beverage, the liquor called pulque, in universal use by all ranks of people; the duties paid on which produce a considerable revenue to the State. When the plant is preparing to put forth its tall fruit-stem, the Indian carefully hollows out the centre, so as to form a large bowl, and cutting off the leaves, the whole sap flows into the hollow, which is emptied two or three times a day for many weeks, and the liquor, with only a slight fermentation, forms'a most palatable and nutritious drink, the sub- stitute for wine among all classes of society. The large model of the plant (near the rail), trimmed for the operation, will better explain it than can be done by words. The aloe has been used for this purpose from the most remote antiquity: but this is only one of its valuable properties. An old account, published in “ Purchas’s Pilgrimage,” a work now very rare, enumerates its valuable qualities so well that the account may, probably, be acceptable to the visitor who wishes in« formation on New Spain; it is, therefore, copied without alteration:— ~ «Maguey is a tree of wonders, whereof the Notaries, or Chapetans (as the Indians call them) are wont to work miracle, in that it yieldeth water, wine, oyle, vinegar, honie, serrop, thred, needles, and a thousand other things. It is a tree which the Indians esteeme much in New <Spaee

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and have commonly in their dwellings some one of them, for mainten- ance of lite; it growes in the fields, and hath great and large leaues, at the end Arcrent | is a strong and sharp point which serues to fasten little pins, or to sew as a needle: and they draw out of this leafe,.as . it were, a kind of thred which they use. They cut the body, which is best when it is tender, wherein is a great hollownesse, by which the substance mounts from the roote, and is a liquor which they drinke © like water, being sweete and fresh. This liquor being sodden, turnes like wine, which growes to vinegar, suffering it to soure, and boiling it more, it becomes as honie, and boiling it halfe it serves as sirrope, which is healthfull enough and of good taste; in my judgement it is better than sirrope of raisons. Thus do they bail this liquor, and use it in diuers sorts, whereof they draw a good quantitie, for that in some seasons they draw daily some pots of this liquor. There are also these trees in Peru, but they are not so profitable as in New Spaine. The wood of this tree is hollow and soft, and serues to keepe fire, like to the match of a harquebuze, and preserues it long : I have seene the Indians use it to that end.”

The Prickly Pear, or Tunna, next this, is one of the commonest pro- ductions of New Spain; it often attains a size equal to our apple trees, and its extraordinary leaves, covered on the edges with its golden flowers, or scarlet fruit, add much to the beauty of the pene AS it is also so well described by Purchas, we insert his account without hesitation.

«The Tunall is another ee tree in New Spaine, if we may call

a tree a heape of leaues gathered together one upon another ; it is the strangest fashiond tree of all other! For first there growes one leafe out of the ground, then another vpon it, and so one vpon one, till it cometh to his perfection; but as the leaues, grow vp, and on the sides, those vnderneath doe become great, and lcose in a manner the form of - leaues, making a body aud branches, which are sharpe, pricking, and deformed, so as in some places they doe call it Thistle. There are Thistles, or wild Tunalls, the which doe carrie no fruite, or else it is yery pricking, without any profit. There are likewise planted Tunalls, which yielde fruite much esteemed among the Indians, the which they call Tunas ; and they are much greater than plumbes, and long. They open . the shell which is fat, and within it is meat and small graines, like to those of figees, which be very sweete ; they have a good taste, especially the white, which have a pleasing smell, but the Ale are not ysually so good. There is another sort of Tunalls, which th ey esteeme much more ; although it yeeldes no fruit, yet it bears another commo- ditie and profit, which i is of the graine, for that certaine small wormes

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‘breede in the leaues of the trees, when it is well husbanded, and are thereunto fastened, couered with a certaine small fine web, which doth compasse them in daintily; and this is that Indian Cochenille, so famous, and wherewith they die in graine. They let it drie, and being dried, carrie it into Spaine, which is a great and rich merchandise. The arobe of this Cochenille, or graine, is worth many ducats. In the fleete, the year 1587, they did bring five thousand six hundred seventie seven arobes, which amounted to two hundred fourscore three thou- sand seven hundred and fiftie pieces, and. —_ there comes every yeare as great a wealth.” : -. The other articles represented in the garden will need little descrip- tion ; the variety of gourds, or calibashes, which furnish a part of the nutriment of the natives, seern almost endless in size, form, and colour ; they are an excellent vegetable for the table; some of them weigh near 100lbs. Those in the glass-cases, Nos. 23, 26, 29, 32, and 39, will convey some idea of the Covent Garden of Mexico, on the ground of which they are piled in immense quantities.

The next object that excites attention is a native Mexican Indian, Jose Cayetana Ponce de Leon, an inhabitant of the village Chyula, one league from Tezcuco ; besides his native language, he speaks and writes Spanish, as also a little Italian, and is well informed on the history and affairs of his country ; he was the only one of his coun- trymen that could be induced to leave his home for Europe; to them the idea of living on the “blue waters” for several weeks was as dreadful as a voyage to the Moon.

He is docile and extremely intelligent ; apt at learning, and in- genious in mechanics, we might almost say in the fine arts:—as far as his knowledge of our Ghauies permits, he will explain the different objects in the Exhibition to visitors.

The next part of the Exhibition to which observation may be directed, consists of small models of Mexican costumes, &c. Persons of all ranks and descriptions are represented in ‘their various occupations and peculiar dresses. Men, women, and children,—in short, a miniature of what the stranger sees in travelling through Mexico, both in the interior of houses, and in the openair. But as this, though pleasing enough to look at, would not convey an accurate idea of the manu- factures, &c. of the country, there are disposed about the room a number of cases, containing specimens of the caparisons of the horses, of the dresses of the people, of their furniture, and of every thing that can be deemed curious and interesting with regard to the habit and costume of the country. To these are added other specimens of their industry and arts. The mode-of working in leather ; the cloths

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of many colours which are manufactured by the natives; their em- broideries, sometimes fantastic, but generally very tasteful, and always very rich ; their dyed goods, and a variety of things prepared: by _ artificial means and human labour, throw a light over these branches of productive industry.

Connected with these objects of a commercial character, there are others combining with them matters of philosophical research. We allude to the collection of mineralogy, in which the pure ores of gold and silver are seen in their native state; other metallic substances display their several appearances, and a multitude of new and ex- quisite spars, crystals, &c. &¢. engage the admiration not only of the unstudied beholder but of delighted science. Many novel forms occur among these specimens, and it is hoped they will be as much appretia- ted by the public as even the richer temptations of their neighbour ores. Having examined the manufactured articles and the mineral pro- ductions of Mexico, and viewed its general aspect as exhibited by picture and model, there are still further illustrations of its natural produce to be found in the remaining depositories. Classed and

arranged as completely as the nature of the exhibition allowed, the room is surrounded with examples of the vegetables, the animals, birds, fishes, &c. of this climate. As these are enumerated in the Catalogue, it is unnecessary to enter into particulars; but Mr. B. cannot help flattering himself that the rarity, the entire novelty, the curiosity, and the beauty of most of these specimens, will be gratifying to his friends. The enormous size of many of the fruits and plants ;— the almost unnatural appearance of a number of shrubs, parasites, vegetables, and trees ; gourds which resemble those of Nineveh; nuts, the fall of which must bring death upon heads below ; and all the odd as well as fine varieties of this prolific garden, afford the mind cause for surprise and admiration at the wonderful works of nature. The animals are not numerous, but they are in excellent preservation ; while the fishes and the crustaceous tribes are remarkable for the contrast they afford of extreme beauty and extreme deformity. But the class most worthy of notice is that of the humming birds. With the exception of afew, these are unique and exquisite. The brilliancy of plumage, vieing with the brightest gems; the diversities of shapes ; _ the minuteness of size (some so small that a cockchaffer would destroy them by collision in mid-air) ; and, in general, the disposition of so great a number of extraordinary creatures ; confer upon this branch of ; the collection an uncommon degree of interest.

We shall not however prolong these introductory remarks by dwell- ing. upon objects which we trust will please without being boasted of.

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It is to indicate, not to prescribe, that these preparatory temarks are offered, and we have only now to add that, where the real article or production is not seen in this exhibition, the imitation of it is as faith- ful as the most devoted attention and scrupulous care could make it.

No. 1.—A Mexican saddle, formerly belonging to General Itur- bide, late Ex-Emperor of Mexico.

No. 2.—Children’s toys, made by the Indians—very ngenions

No. 3.—Models of Indians, and their costume. | |

This case contains a representation of the different classes of Indians of the neighbourhood of Puebla de los Angeles, modelled by a lady of that city in cloth, in a very ctirious manner, every article of the dresses, &c., being a model, in miniature, of the original; and the vegetable productions a close imitation of nature. The Group of Fi- gures are:—first, a man and woman of the highest class of Indians, going to church on a holyday: second, an Indian family returning from market: third, an aged Indian and his wife going to market.

_ No. 4.—A Mexican dog, in a small glass-case. It is found wild, though rarely, in the mountains north of Durango. Its very diminu- tive size, and its peculiarity, is well contrasted by the Bull-frog set up in the same case, by which it is considerably surpassed in size.

No. 5.—Coronation Medals of Mexico, presented by General Iturbide, late Ex-Emperor of Mexico.

In the same case is a Group of Figures rere a female, richly attired, about to sacrifice herself on the pile of her deceased husband. This curious article is made of silver in a state of amalgamation ; it was modelled by the Indians with wooden tools, and afterwards pointed—this method of working in silver is not known in —

Presented by the Count de Regia. | No. 6.—Case of Codorneg (Tufted Quail), inhabits Tiera Callienti,

runs in flocks of from six to twelve in number, and feeds on seeds. _ Fisuzs and other marine productions are contained in six glass- cases, from No. 7 to 12.

The beauty and resplendent hues of these, when first taken from their native element, may vie-in lustre and elegance with those of the Humming-bird, but unfortunately for the admirers of nature, they are so evanescent, that in a few hours at most they entirely disappear : some of the most remarkable, however, are an exception to the rest, and in the Dolphin and a few others an attempt has been made to colour them from nature before their tints had vanished. -

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No. 7.—A Case containing a very fine specimen of the Rock Cod, and several of the smaller Fishes of the lake.

No. 8.—The Dolphin, the colour is remarkably brilliant, but changes frequently when dying—The Parrot Fish, so called from its colour and beak—The King Fish and the Gurnet.—In the same case is a fine specimen of the shell called the Angel’d Wing Pholas.

No. 9.—Shell Fish—Lobster—Land Crab, Hermit Crab, &c. &c. No. 10.—Dolphins and the Salmon Fish.—Sea weed, &e.

No. 11.—Hippocampus, or Sea-Horse—The Porcupine Fish— The Trunk or Cow Fish—Spanish Mackerel—Salt Water Pike—and. several smaller Fishes of the Lake. With specimens of Sea Weed.

No. 12.—The Murena Eel—The Flying Fish—Sucking Fish, so called from its attaching itself to others and bringing them to the sur- face of the water—The Porcupine Fish, a very fine specimen.

BIRDS.

No. 13.—Contains the smallest species of the Flamingo known, being only one half the size of that found in Europe—The Frigate Pelican, or Man of War bird—and the Booby.

No. 14.—Contains a general collection of all the smaller birds pro- cured in Mexico: many of them entirely new; the following are the most remarkable ;—and the numbers annexed will identify their names. Crimson shafted Woodpecker (10). Scarlet crowned Fly- catcher (54). Red winged Starling, or Maize Thief (50).

This bird at certain seasons assembles in such immense flocks as to darken the air ; they fly in compact bodies, and descend like the plague upon the fields of Indian Corn and other grain, committing such de- predations as often to create a scarcity.

American Blue Bird, called by the Americans the Robin ( 13).

Citron Warbler (67). Slate coloured Thrush (3). Great billed Parakeet (6).

The only Specimen known, it unites the shape and form of the Parakeet with the enormous bill of the Maccaw.

Blue Grosbeck (5). Black crested Jay (1). Mexican Goldfinch (59).

Crescent Lark (24).

The note of this Bird i is extremely melodious.

No. 15.—The remaining Quadruped: are contained in this Case, aad 3

12 comprise two varieties of that singular animal the Armadillo ; two different Squirrels, one entirely black : a small pe and a species of Felis, which probably is new.

No. 16.—<Are different kinds of Falcons.

No. 17.—Humming birds; presenting an assemblage of the most splendid as well as the most diminutive creatures in this tribe of cre- ation, of which this collection contains above one hundred and seventy individuals, arranged in the most beautiful manner from life. Many of these were taken in the immediate neighbourhood of the capital, where they are by no means uncommon; above seventy of them were kept for some time in a living state, to observe their interest- ing habits and manners, which are detailed in Mr. Bullock’s work, “Sia Months in Mexico.”

The beautiful objects comprised in this case are too extensive fr individual description.—There will be found—The White tailed—Ruff necked—Fire throated—Saphire crested—Mexican Star—Amathyst throated—Topaz throated—Black caped, &c. &c. |

The view painted on the back of this case is the silver mine of del Bada, near Themascaltepec, presented to Mr. Bullock by the — Government, and now working by his son.

No. 18—The Great White Heron, and several species of Ducks, from the Lake of Mexico. - Over the Fire Place, are four Cases, Nos. 19, 20, 21, and Bo. con- taining pty beautiful Birds of new species.

No. 19.—The Red billed Trogon (8). White chinned Jay (6). Mexican Red Tanager Male and Female (10 & 11). Ivory billed Oreole (4 & 5), &c. &c.

No. 20.—The American Robin or Blue Bird (13). Orange breasted Tanager (17), &c. &c. A new species of the Great Military Maccaw (27).

No. 21.—Corre Camento, or Runin the Road (25 & 28}.

This extraordinary Bird is widely diffused over the kingdom of Mexico, being found in all its various climates, from the heats of Fiera Callienti to within a few leagues of the perpetual snows of its tremen- dous Volcanos; but it is so difficult of access as to render it no easy task for the collector to obtain specimens. It seldom flies, but runs with almost incredible speed, and hides itself in bushes.. The Male is larger than the Female, and of much brighter colours, cheeks of the former, light blue, with two oblong spots of golden orange behind the

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head, which is bare of feathers, eye brown with a silvery ring en- circling the pupil. In the female,—eye only brown, cheeks very bright blue, and the two spots onthe back of the head bright red, feet with : two toes before and two behind.

No. 22.—Double crested Jay (29). Climbing Outen tae & 31).

Mr. Swainson has been some time engaged in preparing a work on the Zoology of Mexico, wherein these birds will be more — larly described. |

FRUITS, &c.

No. 23.—Gourds of various descriptions.

No. 24.—The top of this case is occupied by a variety of the Mango (Mangefera Indica), the elegant fruit of which is hanging in large bunches from the trees. Beneath this is a rare variety of the Sapote (Achares), known only in the Botanic Garden of the Palace ; its numerous lemon-like fruit clustering round the branches, make, in the whole tree, a most luxuriant appearance. Of all the variety of edible fruits of New Spain, this appeared to me the finest for the table; when divested of its skin, the substance resembled, both in consistence and taste, the clotted cream of Devonshire, mixed with white sugar.

On the bottom of the case, on the left hand, in baskets, is the common Sapota Blanco, the Granidillo, or water Lemon ( Passiflora ), the Custard Apple, Capsicums, anda curious: little: plum-lke fruit, common in the market in Mexico, called Cirguclas. In the right hand corner of this case is a curious plant, called Flores de Palo, flowers of wood. It was presented by Don Cervantes, Professor “3 | Botany, of Mexico, with the following description :— i

«‘ The flowers of wood, commonly so called by the country people, | are ingrafted plants, produced by the Loranthus Americanus of Linneus, whose berries are. eaten by different species of birds, and the un- digested seeds are afterwards deposited, with their excrements, on many species of trees, on. whose branches they vegetate, when the rainy season sets in, in the same manner as parasite plants, and by forcing their vegetation through the longitudinal parts of the branches produce these curious figures which we observe, and which pass 1 under the name of wood-flowers.

“The Loranthus Americanus is a plant producing a fruit that can keep many years: it grows on different species of trees, and par- ticularly on the Alligator-pear tree, (Lawrus Perseco. Lin.) and,

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after a vegetation of many years, it destroys itself, leaving on the branches of the said trees the marks which, during its sacha nes, it

stamped on them.”

No. 25.—Contains a variety of the Melons from the market. They attain vast size, and are fine in appearance, but want the flavour of those of the warm parts of Europe. ,

No. 26.—Gourtls of all descriptions.

No. 27.—The clustered scarlet fruit hanging from the top is the Akee; some of them are opened to shaw their black glossy seeds. They are found in many of the Islands of America, and are principally used in soups.

Next this is the magnificent Alligator Pear or Avocata (Laurus Perseco), whose glossy purple and green fruit is in general estimation at the breakfast table in tropical regions; the flesh resembles butter ; they are generally eaten with pepper and salt, and are certainly a great delicacy.

Beneath these is a branch of the Mamea (Mamea Americana 2 , its rough ligneous coat covers a fine orange-coloured thick pulp, enclosing two or three large polished brown seeds. These fruits are in great estimation in the Capital, and were in the market the whole of the six months I remained there. In the left corner is a basket of purple Pomegranate (Prunica), and another of the seeds of the Mamea. The other side is occupied by a species of Cactus Triangura, called Pitalla, with its elegant scarlet and green fruits. I never saw it exposed for sale except in the market of Xalappa, where it is abundant: on separating its beautiful coat, a delicate transparent jelly-like sub- stance mixed with minute seeds presents itself; it is eaten with a Spoon, and is very pleasant and refreshing in warm weather. I met with it also at the Azores, from whence I brought a living plant.

No. 28.—Apples;—these are produced in abundance in various parts of the Table Land, and in appearance and variety equal those of any country ; but I met with none good ; probably owing to the want of skill in the cultivation, as I never observed an ingrafted frutt-tree in the country.

No. 29.—Gourds (Calibashes). These when scooped out serve the purposes of bottles. |

No. 30.—The upper part of this case is occupied by the various kinds of Tomatas (Solanum Lycopersicum) ; the larger one enters

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into the composition of most of the Spanish dishes, and the number of these, and onions, exposed in the markets excites surprise in the newly arrived Kuropean. In the left hand corner are some of the long-shaped Gourds, used by the Indians in extracting pulque from the Aloe, and on the bottom a great variety of pears, quinces, &c. which in appear; ance and size at least equal any producedin Europe.

No. 31.—This Case contains several varieties of Pines ( Anas ), but the principal kind sold in the markets seems to be that known to us by the name of the New Providence. They are very abundant and cheap in the markets, but are produced on the declivity of the Table Land, in situations not so elevated as the great plains. I could never be persuaded that the flavour equalled those produced in our stoves.

No. 32.—Gourds ; the Orange species of which is particularly fine.

No. 33.—The left side is occupied by the Cacao (Iniobroma_), whose splendid crimson pods produce the nuts we call Cocoa, from which Chocolate is prepared: the consumption of this article from the earliest times has always been great; it is now grown only in the warmer parts, and great quantities are imported into Vera Cruz.

On the other side are two kinds of the Guavas, of New Spain. The bottom is occupied by Anonas, Cherrymoi, Pomegranates, Pawpaws, Chennini, Egg Plants of various kinds, and the fruit of the

Calibash Tree. | No. 34,.—Melons an the markets. No. 35.—Gourds of different kinds. .

No. 36—In the corner of this is the trunk of Coryottes Urens, from a branch of which descends in the centre a bunch of its extraordinary fruit, hanging, like traces of onions, to the length of six feet, and containing nearly 800 fruits. On its right side is the Cactus Hex~ angularis, with its fine fruit. Also the Vine, the fruit of which is remarkably large and luxuriant, while the leaves are particularly small. Encircling the trunk of the Coryottes is the Passiflora Quad- rangularis in fruit and flower. On the bottom is the Cactus Melocactus, with one of the enormous frogs common to South America, and the Fresh Water Tortoise of the Lake of Chaleo. —

No, 3/.—Fruits of the Bandanas, Bread Fruit, &c. &c.

No. 38—Shaddocks, Citrons, Limes, Lemons, and other varieties. of the Citrus, of extraordinary form and dimensions, are here exhibited

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on the trees. Some of the Shaddock are cut and opened, to show. the _ beautiful interior formation. On the bottom are several of the enor- mous. Gourds, and ripe Cocoa Nuts, on which are laid two bunches of different kinds of plantains (Musa Paradiseaca), one of which (the horse. plantain) is of 120 pounds weight. The Plantain constitutes, with the: Banana, (from which it differs only in size and colour) a principal article of the food of the inhabitants of the Tropics, to whom it supplies, in a great measure, the place of bread.

No. 39.—Fruit of the Fan Palm—Cocoa Nut, &c.

No. 40.~-In this Case are represented, growing, two varieties of the Banana—the common Yellow, and the Scarlet, lately introduced from the South Seas. On the ground are two other kinds of Banana, a bunch of Dates, and baskets filled with several of the fruits of the Tropics. Attached to the leaves of the Banana are two of the large cobweb-like nests of lepidopterous es common about Xalappa, and other provinces of New Spain... :

No. 41. Indian Corn ; a very singular Gourd : Bread-fruit, &c. &c.

No. 42.—This Case is occupied by the round-leaved Nopal, or Prickly Pear ; it grows to a much larger size than those previously described, and the fruit is preferable for the table; the immense succulent leaves are also without spine. The bottom exhibits the cocoa-nut, as fresh plucked from the tree. |

No. 43.—Bread-fruit, the Semi Horidas a poisonous plant, Cancu- locumbesens, or Sea Vine.

No. 44.—Turban Gourds, Banana, Bread-fruit, &c, Sc.

MINERALS.

Nos. 45 and 46..—Tuer rare and splendid Collection of Mexican minerals is arranged in two large Cases; they are principally from the mines of the Counts of Vallentiana and Regla, and contain a great vari- ety of the most beautiful substances, many.of which are new. Those in Case 45, are a selection from the mines of the Count de Regla, from. his own private cabinet, and were presented by him to Mr. Bullock, for the express purpose of forming a part of the present Exhibition. The Magnesian Pearl Spa, the Aborescent, the Foliated Magnesian Spa, the Opal, &c. &c. are resplendent ; and in Case 46, the varieties of the Amethyst are greatly to. be admired. | oe

No. 47.—A saddle, known in Mexico by the name of Cortez’s Shield, from having been used by him to defend the body of his horse from the arrows of the Indians. It is still used by fashionable young men in the capital ; the rattling or jingling sound produced. by its heavy iron, fringe is considered as an elegant accompaniment to the ambling motion of their beautiful little horses.

Nos. 48, 49, and 50.—These cases contain the elegant equipment of a Mexican cavalier, consisting of the richly embroidered saddle, bridle, superb boots, enormous spurs, &c. &c.; with various articles of the manufacture of the country, which Sie materially from those of Europe. Many of these strongly remind us of the time of our Eliza- beth; indeed, it appears that the costumes of Mexico have varied but little since those first introduced at the Conquest.

No. 51.—Fruit and Flower of the Manitas, or Hand-fruit, ac- curately modelled; the tree of which is represented behind the cottage.

No. 52.—A Paysana playing on the guitar, beautifully modelled in wax py the native Indians.

No. 53.—A native Indian from the interior of the Ba heaus tifully modelled. |

-No. 54.—An Indian Woman, ditto.

No. 55.—Mexican Gentlemen on horseback and on foot, in the full costume of the country, very finely modelled. In the back ground coming from among the rocks, is a new species of Canis, called by the natives Corllonte. It is very remarkable, as uniting the external characters of the Wolf and Fox; it is gregarious, herding in flocks, pursuing the same course and committing the same depredations aS those animals.

No. 56.—A beautiful young female Creole dancing. ~ No. 57.—An Indian brush maker. ~ No. 58.—The brush maker’s Wite.

No. 59.—A_ beautiful medel of > favourite Mexican Horse, the property of the Count of Regla, executed by an Indian, and presenieg to Mr. Bullock by the Count.

No. 60.—A glass Shade, containing a male and femole Mendicant, |

perfectly true to nature, and beautifully modelled. | C

~ No. 61.—Glass Shade, containing, 1. Silver Ore, of the kind called Colorado, as taken from the mine. 2. Ditto powdered, previous to amalgamation. 3. Ditto in a state of amalgamation. 4. Silver extracted from the ore by quicksilver, and united with it. —

~ No. 62.—Imitation of Gold Ore as taken out of the river,

19

ANCIENT MEXICO.

THE well-known and extraordinary Expedition of Cortez, three cen- turies ago—an expedition in which true Historv equalled the wildest fictions of Romance—brought an ancient and mighty empire under subjection to a band of desperate adventurers. Aided by those terrible engines which imitated the thunder of the Gods, and were infinitely more destructive ; united with those dreadful animals which appalled the Aborigines beyond what was ever fabled of Centaur; bound together by an Iron discipline, and incited by every passion which can inflame the human heart, Cortez and his associates annihilated the race of Montezuma, overthrew the throne of Mexico, and established in the richest portion of the new world the delegated dominion of an Eu- ropean nation.

The story of this wonderful cnerptiee may be thus briefly told :—

The Spanish soldiers arrived at Vera Cruz, where they were soon greated by Ambassadors sent from the Emperor of Mexico. These Ambassadors were accompanied by painters, or rather draughtsmen, whose office it was to delineate and describe the Strangers, that from their pictured report the Government might learn how to act on so great an emergency.

The jealous policy of Old Spain has so uniformly, SO rigorously, aud so successfully prevented Europe from acquiring correct in- formation on the subject of Mexico, its condition, and antiquities, that it is not to be wondered that Mexican history should have remained in utter doubt and darkness. The ravages and. desolation of the wars carried on by Cortez, and the subsequent zeal for religious proselytism, completed the work which the government at home had begun. By the one scourge, the Capital and other populous Cities were reduced to ruins; while, by the other, Temples were cast down, Idols broken to pieces or buried, and all the memorials _ of former ages diligently obliterated. Yet from the wreck thus made,

this Catalogue will show that much has been saved ; and, owing to the happy opportunity which the recent revolution afforded, a very interest- ing Collection has been formed for the observation of the British public.

cf directing attention to these objects, farther than a2 mere enume- cg 2

ration and description suggest, it may be allowed to point out the close and striking resemblance which exists between the Antiquities of Mexico and of Egypt. The mighty Pyramid, the hieroglyphic writing, the sculptured stone, are almost alike; and their kindred origin can hardly be doubted. Here examination and comparison will probably illustrate the most ancient records of the world. Again, the worship of the Mexicans appears to have been more monstrous and bloody than the Egyptian ; and more resembled that of the Budhist and Hindoo. The Temple and Cavern and Holy Mountain of the. New World differ in little from the Dome of Jagghernaut, the Cave of Elephanta or Ellora, and the High Place of oriental sacredness ; while. the enormous Serpent-God devouring human victims, and thes un- couth Shapes to which adorations were paid, carry the resemblance — even into minute details, and strengthen the hypothesis of a similar origin. Of these Emblems many are preserved in the present col-. lection, and such objects as were irremovable, from their nature or magnitude, have, by permission of the Government, been cast or modelled from the originals upon the spot. |

From the whole it .is hoped a sufficient idea will be given of the. State of Ancient Mexico, when the unfortunate Montezuma, in all his “ Barbaric Pomp and Gold,” yielded to the cruel Spaniard his riches, his kingdom, and his life: mild but firm, torture could not wring from him the abjuration of the faith of his ancestors; and death, the greatest of blessings, released him from a world in which he had experienced the highest fortune, and the most ruthless persecutions. and piteous fall.

Stained with such crimes, and guilty of such horrid oppressions, it. is not surprising that the conquerors should have laboured so effect- ually to throw a veil over the scene of their atrocities: they had made but a slight change from the preceding era, when the murderous. idolatry. of Maries floated its temples with the blood of human sa- crifices, and the flesh of fellow-creatures was devoured in honour of the Gods! But as it has been mentioned, even the diligence of the Spa- niards could not utterly destroy the vestiges of the past. Some were mutilated, some concealed, some escaped ; and it is from these sources, | opened to the exertions of the Proprietor by the existing Government, (which is anxious to diffuse a knowledge of Spanish America and. to cultivate an intercourse with Poa. that he has ‘been enabled to. form the Exhibition now offered to the public view.

- With the details of his voyage and proceedings i in Mexico he does not think it necessary to enlarge ; and will only say, that he seized the. . first moment for such an enterprise with avidity, and prosecuted it with

ay

unwearied solicitude and zeal. All that he could gather to illustrate the ancient Capital, its monuments, religion, inscriptions, feelings, and customs, is here combined in the best manner his judgment could devise. Anxiously does he trust that it will not disappoint any @X- pectations which may have been raised; and if it should gratify the public at large, and promote the interests of science and learning, all his toils will be amply rewarded.

Baron Humboldt has given us the letter of Cortez to the Emperor Charles V., describing tlie state of the country at the period of its subjugation: and there is also extant a faithful and interesting nar- rative of that transaction, written by one Bernal Dias, a soldier in the same expedition. Having had frequent opportunities of puttirig the veracity of these statements to the test, their accuracy may be confi- dently vouched for. It is with regret that their length precludes their entire introduction in this place, throwing light as they do upen many of the objects which form this exhibition: ‘he statement of an eye-witness must ever be preferable. to the conjectural accounts of modern His- torians. Not one of whom having ever set foot in the country, it is not to be wondered at, that their accounts should aboundin misconceptions, from which charge even our illustrious Robertson is not wholly exempt.

The account of Dias, a person who bore an active part in the as- tonishing conquest of this great city, by a few Europeans, after a sanguinary contest, and the endurance of sufferings, on both sides, unexampled in the annals of any nation or people, will serve to show the state of the ancient capital of what is now called Mexico, or New Spain, before its final destruction by the Spaniards. From that moment, as has elsewhere been alluded to, the Conquerors employed all their means to efface every vestige and recollection of what had been, from the minds of the subjugated people, whom they treated — with every species of ignominy and cruelty. Not a single building or wall of this superb city remained ; all was indiscriminately levelled to the eround, and every trace of its former splendour was destroyed by the unsparing hand of the victor. Such of the native colossal sculpture as could not be burnt, or broken, was buried under the foundations of the new city ; and all their valuable books, hieroglyphics, paintings, and historical manuscripts which could be discovered, either by art or force, — Were indiscriminately committed to the flames. In such quantities were these consumed, that in the great square of Tezcuco, the seat of

Aearning of the Aztecks, they formed, when collected together, an im- mense pyramid, and were reduced to ashes in one general blaze, amid the unavailing regrets of the intelligent of that city, whose inhabitants (hew ul were ‘they repaid) had been the first friends of the Spaniar ds.

a2

So great was the pious zeal and exterminating fervour. of the first

Bishop of Mexico, that the most elaborate and beautiful works in gold

and silver were consigned to the melting pot, and even the valuable

gems and precious stones which had the least sculpture on their

surface were reduced to dust, although large sums were offered for

their ransom. Nay, the mere possessor of any article of this kind was

liable to a severe penalty and personal punishment. When this is

considered, it will easily be ‘conceived how great the difficulty of procuring information on any subject connected with the history of the country must have been; insomuch that those who succeeded the

first Europeans, were more ignorant in this respect than the present inhabitants. It ought, however, to be stated that, in the century

which succeeded that of the Conquest, several of the Clergy sent from Spain, regretting the destruction of the historic writings, collected,

and preserved with much care, the few that remained, and. even

studied the language for the sake of expounding them: and, about

eighty years since, the Chevalier Boturini, a learned Italian, visited

Mexico, for the purpose of obtaining materials for a general history

of the country, and enthusiastically devoted his time and fortune to the. accomplishment of this object. Having made himself master of the

language, he procured, at considerable expense of time and research, the largest, collection of manuscripts and Azteck paintings that had been made since the Conquest, and prepared to return to Europe with these treasures, which, in his letter, he says exceeded, in his estimation, all the mines of gold and silver in the country, when the whole were seized by the rapacious hands of the jealous Government, and himself sent to Spain, where in a short time he died broken hearted, and the — world lost the valuable information he had acquired at so much trouble and risk. Of the five hundred maps, pictures, manuscripis, and other valuable remains which: he possessed, it is believed that scarcely any are now in existence.

In the year 1790, during the Viceroyalty of Count Revillagigedo, the workmen employed in making a subterraneous aqueduct in the great - square of Mexico (the space formerly occupied by the grand temple) discovered a number of the enormous stone idols which had been buried under the ruins by. the Conqueror. Three of them were removed, but one only, the great Kalendar stone, was allowed to be exposed. It was placed in the wall of the Cathedral. The great statue of the Goddess Teoyamique, with all its horrible attributes, was with difficulty saved from destruction. As it could not be trusted to the public gaze, it was secretly conveyed tothe court of the University, and buried under the gallery. The superb sacrifice al altar, of porphyry,

20

twenty-six feet in circumference, covered on the top and sides with sculpture, was buried in the inclosure of the Cathedral, at the foot of a-cross, With itsupper surface on a level with the pavement, in order to expose it to the merited insult of every passenger. These fine an- tiquities were discovered about three years before Mexico was visited by that intelligent traveller Baron de Humboldt, who has described the last mentioned stone in his “ Researches concerning the In- stitutions and Monuments of the Ancient Inhabitants of America.”

Since that period, a considerable change has taken place ; the Inhabi- tants have, after several years of ae struggle, at length attained their liberty, and no longer under the government of Old Spain, they now give every facility and assistance to the promulgation of science and a knowledge of their country.

GREAT SERPENT, No. 63.

The rattle snake appears to have been the most general object of worship, veneration, and fear ; indeed it occurs in some manner com+ bined with almost every other symbol, and is still found in many of the Indian villages. It remains at Tezcuco, quite perfect at the present time. Broken fragments may be met in the exterior of the houses in Mexico in several places. The great head (No. 64) is cast from on at the corner of the fine building used for the Government Lottery Office, and exposed to the street. It must have belonged to an Idol at least. seventy feet long, probably in the great Temple, and broken and buried at the Conquest. They are generally in a coiled quiescent state, with the tail or rattle on the back ; but they vary in their size and position. The finest that is known to exist, I discovered in the deserted part of the Cloister of the Dominican Convent, opposite the Palace of the ‘Inquisition. It is coiled up in an irritated erect posi- tion, with the jaws extended, and in the act of gorging a well dressed female, who appears in the mouth of the enormous reptile, crushed and lacerated, the detail of which 1 is too disgusting a and horri- ble for description.

The Colossal Idol (No. 63), is copied from and is of the same size as the head (No. 64). It is upwards of 6 feet in circumference in the body, and 60 feet long; and though divested of some of the most offensive parts, will serve to give the public an idea of the monstrous deities of these people, the inspection of which so strongly excited the feeling’ of poor Bernal Dias, when he visited the temple with rien in oe with Mophezutna What must have added td

* “When we had ascended to the summit of the rence We Giver ved»

24

the terrible effect of the sculptured Idols of the Mexicans, was ‘their having the eyes formed of precious stones, and being coloured,

on the platform as we passed, the large stones whereon were placed the victims who were to be sacrificed. Here was'a great figure which re- sembled a dragon, and much blood fresh spilt. Montezuma came out from an adoratory in which his accursed idols were placed, attended by two priests, and addressing himself to Cortes, expressed his apprehension that he was ‘fatigued; to which Cortes replied, that fatigue was unknown to us, |

~ “ Cortes then addressing himself to Montezuma, sities that he would do him the favour to show us his gods, Montezuma having first consulted his priests, led us into a tower where was a kind of saloon. Here were two altars highly adorned, with richly wrought timbers on the roof, and over the altars, gigantic figures resembling very fat men. The one on the right was Huitzilopochtli their war god, with a great face and terrible eyes; this figure was entirely covered with gold and jewels, and his body bound with golden serpents; in his right hand he held a bow, and in his Jeft a bundle of arrows. ‘The little idol which stood by him represented his page, and bore a lance and target richly ornamented with gold and’ jewels. The great idol had round his neck the figures of human heads and hearts, made ef pure gold and silver, ornamented with precious stones ofa blue colour. Before the idol was a pan of incense, with three hearts of human victims which were then burning, mixed with copal.

The whole of that apartinent, both walls and floor, was stained with human blood in such quantity as to give a very offensive smell. On the left was the other great figure, with a countenance like a bear, and great shining eyes, of the polished substance whereof their mirrors are made, The body of this idol was also covered with jewels. 'These two deities it was said were brothers; the name of this last was Tezcatepuca, and he was the god of the infernal regions. He presided, according to their notions, over the souls of men, His body was covered with figures’ re- presenting little devils with tails of serpents, and the walls and pave- ment of this temple were so besmeared with blood that they stunk worse than all the slaughter-houses of Castile. An offering lay before him of five human hearts. In the summit of the temple, and in a recess,

the timber of which was most highly ornamented, we saw a figure half human and the other half resembling an alligator, inlaid with jewels,

and partly covered with a mantle. This idol was said to contain the germ, and origin of all created things, and was the god of harvest, and fruits, The walls and altars were bestained like the rest, and so offensive, that we thought we never could get out soon enough.

“In this place they had a drum of most enormous size, the head. of which was made ofthe skins of large serpents: this instrument when struck resounded with a noise that could be heard to the distance of two. leagues, and so doleful that it deserved to be named the music of. the

25. -

so as to producea stronger sensation. On nearly the whole of the Ser- pent Idol, the paint is still fresh: they are all, as well as the represent= | ations in the manuscript, painted exactly alike. The colours of the one exposed in a gateway at Tezcuco, appeared quite fresh on having water thrown over it. |

No. 64.—Serpent’s Head. Described in the nance No. 63.

No. 65.—The great Idol of the Goddess of War, before which thou- sands of human victims were annually sacrificed on the altar. This monstrous Idol is, with its pedestal, about twelve feet high, and four feet wide; it is sculptured out of one solid piece of grey basalt. Its form is partly human, and the rest composed of rattle snakes and ‘the tiger. The head, enormously wide, seems that of two rattle snakes ‘united ; the fangs hanging out of the mouth, on which the still palpi- tating hearts of the unfortunate victims were rubbed as an act of the most acceptable oblation. ‘The body is that of a deformed human frame, and the place of arms is supplied by the heads of rattle snakes, put on square plinths, and united by fringed ornaments. Round the waist is a girdle, which was originally covered with gold ; and beneath this, reaching nearly to the ground and partly covering its deformed cloven feet, a drapery entirely composed of wreathed rattle snakes which the natives call cohuatlicuye or garment of serpents,—on each side of

infernal regions: and with their horrible sounding horns and trumpets, their great knives for sacrifice, their human victims, and their blood be- sprinkled altars, I devoted them, and all their wickedness to God’s ven- geance, and thought that the time would never arrive, that I should escape from this scene of human butchery, horrible smells, and more de- testable sights, ”

The manner of their sacrifices he also thus describes:

“They open the body of the victim, while living, with large knives of stone; they take out his heart and blood, which they offer to their gods, and then they cut off the limbs and the head, upon which they feast, giving the body to be devoured by the wild beasts, and the skulls they hang up in their temples. In this accursed place were many vipers, and poi- sonous serpents which have in their tails somewhat that sounds like cas- tanets: these are the most dangerous of all, and were kept in vessels filled with feathers, where they reared their young, and were fed with the flesh of human beings and dogs; and I have been assured that, after our ex- pulsion from Mexico, all diese animals lived for many days upon the _ bodies of our companions who were killed on that occasion. These beasts and horrid reptiles were retained to keep company with their 1 in- fernal gods, and when these animals’ eo ycieds and oe the ples seemed hike hell itself? _ : . as

26

which is a winged termination of the feathers of the vulture. Be: tween the feet, scene from. the body, another wreathed. serpent rests its head on the ground; and the whole composition of this deity. is strictly appropriate to the mfernal purpose for which it was used, and with which its personal ornaments but too well accord. From the neck spreading over its deformed breast, is a necklace composed. of human hands, hearts, and skulls, fit emblems of the earns rites that were daily performed in its honour. —

The Death’s head and mutilated hands, four = which = the bosom of the goddess, remind us of the horrible sacrifices of Teoqua- whquet, celebrated in the fifteenth period of thirteen days after the summer solstice, in honour of the God of War and his female compa- nion Teoyamiqui. The mutilated hands alternate with the figure of certain vases, in which incense was burnt. These vases were called Top-xicalli, bags 3 in the form of calibashes. This Idol was sculptured on every side, even beneath, where was represented Mictlanteuchthi, the Lord of the place of the dead; it cannot be doubted, but that it was supported in the air by means of two columns, on which rested _the arms. According to this whimsical arrangement, the head of the Idol was probably elevated five or six meters above the pavement of the temple, so that the priests dragging their unfortunate victims to the altar, made them pass under the figure of Mictlanteuchtli. The Viceroy of Mexico transported this monument to the University, which he thought the properest place to preserve one of the most cu- rious remains of American antiquity. The Professors of the Univer- sity, Monks of the Order of St. Dominic, being unwilling to expose this Idol to the sight of the Mexican youth, occasioned it to be re- buried in one of the passages of the College; but M. Humboldt caused it to be disinterred at the request of the Bishop of Monterey. The stone of which it is formed is a bluish grey basalt, full of feltspar.

No. 66.—The Great Sacrificial Stone, or Altar, ornamented on the surface with the representation of the Sun; and, on the sides, with numerous groups of figures, exhibiting the Mexican warriors dragging their prisoners to sacrifice. Every captive has the name of the place to which he belongs placed behind him, in hieroglyphical cha- racters, and they are supposed to represent the different cities sub- jected by the Kings of Mexico. The costume of the. warriors is superb, and well answers the description Cortez has given of the fields of battle in which he was engaged, with the helmet and plume of feathers, being a third the height of a man. On the top of this altar a deep groove, made to receive the blood, marks ane place whige the

a1

victim was laid by the priest ; where the heart, whilst: yet living; was torn from the bosom of the wretched captive, presented reeking to the idol, and then mixed with copal, slowly consumed before it. The body was afterwards delivered by the priest to the captors, or owners of the slave, by whom it was devoured with the greatest avidity: Above 30,000 human beings were said to have suffered in this manner at the coronation of Montezuma; and it is believed that nearly 70 of the Spaniards, taken prisoners on the unfortunate night of their first retreat, were dragged to sacrifice and immolated before this idol, on the altar, in the sight of their countrymen, who, by the lights of the fires, witnessed the horrid transaction, and heard the unavailing shrieks of their expiring companions in arms. ; ‘fant

THE GREAT KALENDAR STONE.

No. 67.—This fine specimen of Mexican workmanship and know-' ledge was found in the Plaza Major, under the pavement on the site Teocalli, or Temple, and not being visibly connected with the ancient, religious rites, was allowed to be placed against the south side of the | Cathedral. It is formed out of a heavy basaltic rock, and is up- wards of 36 feet in circumference, exclusive of part of the unsculp- tured stone on which it is cut, and which still remains attached to it. © It weighs more than five tons, and the modern Mexicans speak with sur prise of the power of the ancients in moving such ponderous masses. This celebrated piece of antiquity is known to the Indians by the name of Montezuma’s Watch. It has excited the surprise of many authors who have written on the subject, and is in itself a complete refuta- 7 tion of the opinion of such speculative authors as Robertson and Du Paw. Gama has published, in Mexico, ficures of it and of the great idol of the goddess, with an elaborate description, occupying about

70 quarto pages, but it is much too long, learned, and hypothetical

for the general reader.. In the centre of this immense tablet (larger than the Zodiack of Denderah) is represented the figure of the Sun, the rays in the direction of the Cardinal points ; round the head, ey Seasons ‘are exhibited in hieroglyphics, and, in the next circle, the name of the twenty Mexican months of eighteen days, thus making the calculation of time, nearly the same as ours—a remarkable coinci= dence in a people who were ignorant of the existence of the wee three quarters of the world. The use of iron was unknown to the

people of America; and the examination of the sculptured pass ce basalt and porphyry, must therefore surprise us the more. We a

still ignorant of the mode employed in cutt

€

ing. both them, and iis

| ‘precious stones, which were so abundant among those people before the Conquest. :

No. -68.——Model of fie Temple.

No. 69.—Copy of a very fine Azteck Reach. on Maguey, in 21 folds, or leaves, on which are depicted the migrations of that ex- ‘traordinary people; it is considered in Mexico as the most perfect and valuable one of the kind extant.—It encircles the room.

No. 70.—An Oil Painting, formerly in the collection of the Cheva- lier Boturini, for whom it was copied. On the top, in a compartment, are the portraits of the Kings of Mexico, arranged in succession, each having his name, in hieroglyphics, placed near him, and a translation below ; and underneath each compartment is a Spanish poetical de- scription. At the bottom of the picture is Cortez, seated beside the King of Zampoola, several Ladies of his Court, and near them an as- semblage of the Warriors of that nation, the first friends of Cortez. In the centre of the lower compartment is Cortez, at the head of his cavalry, preceded by the guide of Zampoola, and the Ambassadors of Tlascalla. |

The four next compartments are subjects from History, but muuch defuced: aaNon 41.—The centre of this is occupied . a Mexican Wheel Kalendar, or cycle of time ;_ the exterior is a cycle of 52 years; the interior the cycle of Mexican months, each consisting of twenty days. On the sides are ten Portraits of the Conquerors and distinguished Natives, among which are those of Cortez and the King Tabasco.

Entrance Room. No. 72.—Represents the Battle of Tabasco, between Cortez and the Indians.

) No. 73.—The Meeting of Cortez and Montezinia, near Mexico.

No. 74.—The destruction of the Idol of the Indians, and the

placing the Statue of the Virgin, on the Altar, by Cortez.

. No. 75.—Cortez in Mexico. This Picture represents several dif-

ferent subjects in the History of the Conquest; the principal is the

Spanish Quarters, in which is seen Cortez placing the fetters on Mon-=

tezuma ; the Mexican Sports before Cortez; the Great Temple, &e. No. 76.—The Mexican Eagle. The city of Mexico has always

been represented by the Eagle; it occurs frequently in the Azteck

writings. This figure is believed to have been placed in the palace of Montezuma. |

- No. 77.—Head of a Boy, in basalt, full of character, and greatly re-

sembling the present Mexican Indians; part of the ee colour still remains on it. - No. 78.—Bust of a Female,.in Nave. “This has a str ong resemblance

29 to the Isis of the Egyptians, having one of the towering and extra- ordinary head-dresses so often given to that divinity in the ancient temples.

No. 79.—A_ highly curious specimen of Mexican sculpture, in-an exceeding hard stone, resembling hornstein, a coarse kind of Jade ; is a species of compact talc, of most elaborate workmanship, and Pe bust of a Priest, or perhaps of the Idol representing the Sun. The head is crowned with a high mitre-shaped cap, decorated with jewels and feathers ; it has long pendant ear-rings. The hands are raised ; the right sustains something resembling a knotted club, while the left takes hold of a festoon of flowers which descends from the head; all the other parts are covered withthe great rattle snake, whose enormous head and jaws on the right side of the figure, while the back and sides. are covered with the scales and rattles of the deadly reptile. The eyes, which were probably of precious stones, are wanting.

No. 80.—Small Earthern Vessel, in the form of a dog, which, hes filled with water, and set on the fire, produces a, whistling noise.

No. 8].—An Ancient Vase of Oriental Alabaster, with the head, tail, and wings of the cock carved on it.

No. 82.—Another Vase of Oriental Alabaster, which holds oe a, quart, with the head, arms, and tail of a monkey sculptured on it ; supposed to have been used in the Temple.

No. 83.—A sitting Statue of a Female Figure, half the size of life, in reddish volcanic stone. The head strongly impressive of the- cha- racter of the present race of Indians; her head-dress and sandals be- _ speak the time of Montezuma.

No. 84.—Several curious: small Statues, in various stones, of rude workmanship. |

No. 85.—Small Statue, in terra cotta, seated like (No. 83) sae strongly resembling the Egyptian Sphinx.

No. 86.—A Statue of an Idol.

No. 87.—Two pieces of fluted Obsidian, from which the aa spears, &c. of the natives have been split.

No. 88.—An Adze, composed of hard flinty slate—a species of. touch-stone, or lapis lydius; several of these were fastened into a long piece of wood, and formed the Mexican sword. :

No. 89.—A heart-shaped Ornament, of serpentine, suspended from. the necks of the priests; on it are engraved the figure of the Sun, and other hieroglyphics.

“No. 90.—A number of the Knives, &c. of Obsidian, used in the : Sacrifices by the Teieti. from the Pee of Cholula and St. Juan, de Teotihuacan. |

STATUE OF AN AZTECK PRINCESS.

‘No. 91 —Baron de Humboldt, in his “ Researches concer ning athe Institutions and Monuments of the Ancient Inhabitants of America,” has given three views of a Statue similar to this, with a trifling differ- ence in the drapery on the back of the head. The lady i is represented sitting on her feet, which are bent under her, the common position of the Indian women in the church at the present day ; ‘her hands rest on her knees, and give the appearance, at first sight, of the front of the Egyptian Sphinx, to which the resemblance of the head-dress ereatly contributes. The Baron, by some unaccountable mistake, says the figure is without hands, and that the feet are placed in front, Mee his plates represent the hands and feet as they really are.

No. 92.—Large Double Water Bottles, of black earthenware, one having the head of a dog, and the other that of a bird. ,

No. 93.—Idol of the Sun.

‘No. 94.—A curious Idol, of ‘stone, ciptededaly the fore radi of a Crocodile, terminating in sacred ornaments often met with in the MSS. and Calenders; it appears to be the only one yet discovered, and. weighs upwards ef 500|bs. ;

No. 95.—This small Serpent Idol, is of stone, and probably was one of the Penates or household Gods, as every house had copies, on a small scale, of the Colossal Idols in the grand Temple. :

_ No. 96.—A small vase-shaped-Statue, in the form of the Canopus: |

No. 97.—A Statue.

No. 98:—Several small -Figures, in terra cotta; Fragments of Earthenware, &c., found on the mountains 3 of Teoma the = a=" mids of St. Juan de Teotihuacan.

No. 99.—An Azteck Mirror, composed of a large plate of Obsidian, ' polished on both sides.

No. 100.—Temple.

No. 101.—Model of the Pyramid of the Sun, or St. Juan de Teo- tihuacan.

The group of Pyramids in the valley of Otumba, about thirty miles from Mexico, is considered to be among the most extraordi- nary existing antiquities that have survived the conquest of America*.

B Sie Be ah SoD BEE LAS Lic Ea See a AR Be BN ciel Maes ees _* Baron Humboldt, in his “ Researches,” speaks of them as follows :— *'The group of the pyramids of Teotihuacan, is inthe Valley of Mexico, eight leagues north-east from the capital, in a plain that bears the name of Wicoah:. or the Path of the Dead. ‘There are two large pyramids dedi-

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- With this circumstantial account of the pyramids in. his hand, Mr.’ Bullock could obtain no information of them in Mexico. Some of the: best informed persons had, indeed, heard of them, but supposed M. de Humboldt had been imposed on, and taken his description from others who had not themselves seen them. Certain that this could not be the case, Mr. Bullock determined to proceed in search of them, as: from their nature it was impossible they could escape diligent investi- gation. All inquiry on the road, however, was without effect, and it was not till the end of the second day’s journey, just. on entering Otumba, that the travellers caught a glimpse of these Mountains of human erection, in the valley beyond the town. They appeared be- fore them in the morning to the greatest advantage, towering above the woods of Nopal, with which they are surrounded; and the plat- forms or separate stages, perfectly visible at the distance of two miles.

cated to the Sun (‘Touatiuh) and to the Moon (Meztli); and these are surrounded by several hundreds of small pyramids, which form streets in exact'lines from north to south, and from east to west, Of these two great Teocallis, one is fifty-five, the other forty-four meters in perpen- dicular height. ‘The basis of the first is two hundred and eight meters in length; whence it results, that the Touatiuh Yztaqual, according to Mr, Oteyza’s measurement, made in 1893, is higher than the Mycerians, or third of the three great pyramids of Geezain Egypt, and the length of its base nearly equal to that of the Cephren. The small pyramids, which surround the great houses of the sun and moon, are scarcely nine or ten meters high; and served according to the tradition of the natives, as burial- piaees for the chiefs of the tribes. Around the Cheops and the Mycerians in Egypt, are eight small pyramids placed with symmetry, and parallel to the fronts of the greater. The two Teocallis of ‘Teoti- huacan had four principal stories, each of which was subdivided into steps, the edges of which are still to be distinguished, ‘The nucleus is composed of clay mixed with small stones, and it is encased by a thick wall of tezontli, or porous amygdaloid, This construction recalls to mind that, one of the Egyptian pyramids of Sakharah, which has six stories; and which, according to Pocock, is a mass of pebbles and yellow iOHae covered on the outside with rough stones, On the top of the ereat Mexican Teocallis, were two colossal statues of the Sun and Moon: they were of stone, and covered with plates of gold, of which they were stripped by the soldiers of Cortes. When Bishop Zumaraga, a Fran- ciscan monk, undertook the destruction of whatever related to the wor- ship, the Ban. and the antiquities of the natives of America, he ordered also the demolition of the Idols of the plain of Micoal. We still discover the remains of a staircase built with large hewn stones wluch former led to ihe platform of the 'Teocalli.”

32

They first visited that of the Moon ;—its sides are much mutilated and fallen; but leaving their horses, they scrambled up to the summit with more ease than was expected. On the top is the remains of a small Temple, which had been divided into two, and had a door and windows: the prospect from hence was delightful, and well repaid the- labour of the visit. The whole plain of Otumba, on which Cortez,: with his few broken and dispirited troops, defeated the countless army of the Mexicans on his retreat from the capital, was extended. before them, with Mexico distinctly seen in the. distance.. Within- half a mile was the great Pyramid of the Sun, scarcely inferior to that - of Cairo; while between it and the one on which they were placed, were hundreds of small ones laid out like regular streets. After - spending an hour here, they proceeded to the-other, and found the ascent more easy, as the sides are more entire ;—the platforms perfectly visible, and in some places almost perfect, being composed of | hard red cement, mixed with small gravel. On reaching the top they _ found a large flat, on which a considerable stone building had. for- merly stood, but now entirely destroyed. They remained. a short. time enjoying the sublime prospect which takes in the Lake of Tez- cuco, the City, and great part of the Valley of Mexico. On their de-: scent they found a number of the instruments of Obsidian formerly used in the sacrifices, and several fragments of small Statues in terra cotta, and passed over the enormous masses of stone torn from its sides by Siguenza, in endeavouring to discover an entrance to the interior.

No. 102.—A highly curious little MS. Book, made by some of the Spanish Priests soon after the Conquest, for the purpose of introducing » a knowledge of the Christian religion among the Indians; it con- tains the Pater Noster, Credo, Ave Maria, &c. &c., written in Chris- tian Hieroglyphics, mixed with Azteck, in such a manner as to be easily understood: it is on Spanish paper.

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