CHAPTER XVII.

Plan of the Ruins.--An Edifice called Akatzeeb.--Doorways.--Apartments.--Circular Mass of Masonry.--Mysterious Chamber.--Sculptured Stone Tablet.---Majestic Pile of Building called the Monjas.--Hieroglyphics.--Rich Ornaments.--Doorways, Chambers, &c.--Remains of Painting.--The Eglesia, or Church.--Ornaments on the Facade.--Cartouches in Plaster.--Circular Edifice called the Caracol.--Apartment.--Staircase, having on each Side entwined Serpents.--Gigantic Head.--Doorways.--Paintings.--Building called Chichanchob.--Ornaments.--Row of Hieroglyphics.--Another Building.--Vestiges of Mounds and ruined Buildings.--Extraordinary Edifice, to which the Name Gymnasium or Tennis-court is given.--Ornamented Columns.--Sculptured Figures in Bas-relief.--Massive Stone Rings, with entwined Serpents.--Indian Sports.--Two Ranges of Buildings.--Procession of Tigers.--Sculptured Columns.--Figures in Bas-relief.--Richly-carved lintel.--Paintings. The Castillo.--Staircase.--Colossal Serpents' Heads.--Doorways.--Carved Lintels.--Jambs ornamented with Sculptured Figures.--Corridors.--Apartments.--Square Pillars, covered with Sculptured Figures.--Rows of Columns.--Occupation and Abandonment of Chichen by the Spaniards.--First Discovery of Chichen.--Senotes.