Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/476

470 The other altar is surrounded with six large golden candlesticks, over four feet high; six large golden branches, with vases of the same size; four smaller candlesticks of gold, sixteen inches high; two golden censors, two golden utensils to sprinkle holy water, one golden cross, set with very precious stones, with pedestal and front pieces, also set with precious stones. The weight of the altar service is nearly five hundred pounds, and its value not less than $200,000.

It is also crowned by an image of the Virgin or of the Ascension. It is of solid gold, adorned with rich jewels. It is valued, including jewels, at from $35,000 to $40,000. The image of Conception is of solid silver, and is worth $625. The silver lamp in front of the priest is gilded with pure gold; it is magnificent; it has fifty-four burners; its height is twenty two feet; its circumference thirty feet, and is suspended by an iron chain and bolt. The lamp and fixtures is valued at $120. The silver service of the cathedral are twelve chandeliers, twelve incense-boxes, twelve large branches, each seven feet high; seventy-two silver cups and incense burners, ninety-six silver candlesticks, with their number of branches; three silver statues, one large silver closet, handsomely engraved for the deposit of holy things; two lamp stands, with each four clusters of branches; two large standard candlesticks, twenty silver candlesticks, besides a perfect wilderness of columns, statues, shrines and fonts, in the aisles of the church.

The robes and other garments of the priesthood are of the richest and most costly description. They with the silver service of the church were the gifts of the Emperor Charles V, of Spain. After a hasty inspection of the interior, the rich paintings on the walls, and other curiosities in the church, we left, and at 3 o'clock,, went to see the bull fights, which is the custom in this country, to go from church to a place of amusement. What a great religion to inspire among the heathen people. Here in the Plaza de Toros we saw a novel sight, of which some day when I have more time, I will write a description thereof. After it was all over, we returned to San Angel, much pleased at the sights we saw at Plaza de Toros.