The exterior was often richly ornamented with paint and gilding, in some cases in such a way that the design only appeared under the influence of the heat produced by the act of smoking. Pottery pipes are found in Mexico, though not in great numbers, and it is uncertain to what extent they were used before the conquest. Pipes are found more frequently in Michoacan, where tobacco-smoking was commoner than among the Aztec, especially in the case of men of rank. In general the first meal of the day, taken after a few hours’ work, consisted in atolli-gruel, a more substantial repast following at midday, after which the higher classes smoked and took a siesta. Food was cooked in and eaten from pots, bowls and dishes of pottery, often beautifully ornamented. Cups of the same material, and also of gold or stone (such as alabaster), were used for beverages, and a peculiar pattern with two butterfly-handles and three feet (as shown on the textile in Fig. 18, _s_; p. 118) was especially associated with octli, forming one of the devices of the octli-gods. Maguey-fibre has already been mentioned as a material extensively employed for textiles, and indeed the uses of this plant were manifold. To quote again from one of the conquerors, “This tree is of the greatest utility; from it is made wine, vinegar, honey, a syrup like boiled grape-juice. They employ it in the manufacture of garments for men and women, for footgear, ropes, the ties used in building houses, the roofing of these houses, for sewing-needles (i.e. the spines), for dressings for wounds, and other purposes. They also collected the leaves ... and cooked them in subterranean ovens, with wood piled up, in a fashion peculiar to this country. After roasting, the bark and veins are removed, and an intoxicating drink is prepared.”