Page:Appleton's Guide to Mexico.djvu/72

44 is seen on the pyramid. It consists of the cactus, pito, and a few pirù trees. Several writers have suggested that the founders of the mound at Cholula may have had some design in building it near the lofty volcano of Popocatepetl,

or "the smoking mountain." This primitive race may have been fire as well as serpent worshipers.

Unfortunately the great temple of Cholula has been partially destroyed. A few years ago a cut was made in the western side of it for a railroad track!—(Vide p. 173.)

The teocallis at this town rank next to Cholula in point of age. The word "Teotihuacan" means the habitation