[108] I am just (Sept. 9) informed by Governor Wallace, that the Sierra de Tecolote, east of the ruins, contains probably gypsum, even in the form of alabaster. It is certain that nothing like lime-kilns or places where lime might have been burnt are found at any moderate distance from the ruins. The surrounding rocks, up to head of the valley and to the _mesa_, contain deposits of white, yellow, and red carbonates of lead, often copper-stained, and very impure, therefore proportionately light in weight. However, we have very positive information as to how they made their plaster, etc., in Castañeda, _Voyage de Cibola_, ii. cap. iv. pp. 168, 169. He says: "They have no lime, but make a mixture of ashes, soil, and of charcoal, which replace it very well; for although they raise their houses to four stories, the walls have not more than half an ell in width. They form great heaps of pine [thym] and reeds, and set fire to them; whenever this mass is reduced to ashes and charcoal, they throw over it a large quantity of soil and water, and mix it all together. They knead it into round blocks, which they dry, and of which they make use in lieu of stones, coating the whole with the same mixture." Substituting for the "round blocks" the stones found at Pecos, we have the whole process thoroughly explained, for indeed the mud contains bits of charcoal, as the specimens sent prove. The white coat, however, is not explained. I must state here, however, that I found the latter only in such parts of _A_, as well as of _B_, as appeared to be most recent in occupation and in construction. Further investigations at other pueblos may yet solve the mystery. [109] See Plate VIII. [110] Compare, in regard to the outer (western) wall of B, and also in regard to the inner wall, Lieut. James H. Simpson, _Journal of a Military Reconnoissance from Santa Fé, New-Mexico, to the Navajo Country, Executive Document 64_, 31st Congress, 1st section, 1850; plate 41, no. 5. Also, L. H. Morgan, _On an Ancient Stone Pueblo on the Animas River, Peabody Museum Reports_, 1880. The latter is particularly suggestive. [111] Compare Castañeda, _Voyage de Cibola_, ii. cap. iv. pp. 171, 172. "There is a piece reserved for the kitchen, and another one for to grind the corn. This last one is apart; in it is found an oven and three stones sealed in masonry." Simpson, _Journal_, etc, p. 62, description of a fireplace. [112] Simpson, p. 62, _Fireplace and Smoke-escape at the Pueblo of Santo Domingo_. The vent was directly over the hearth. I expect to visit Santo Domingo shortly. [113] Mr. Thomas Munn found about the church a stone hatchet, a fragment of a stone pipe (?), and many arrow-heads. These he kindly promised to me, even authorizing me to get them at the place where he had deposited them, and which lay on the line of my daily tramp to the ruins. Unfortunately, when I reached the place, the objects were already gone.