The general truth of the previous quotation is apparent; but that the Pyramids of Egypt had "_steps_" in their _original_ construction, cannot be supported by any History, or by the absolute facts visible even at the present day. _All their sides were smooth_; and commencing at the apex in placing the facial stones, the "_steps_" were used as successive scaffolds from the base to the top. On the following page to the above extract, Mr. Stephens contradicts his own reasoning, and when that can be proved in the work of any Author, no other refutation of a false conclusion is required. We have shewn that he says the Egyptian Pyramids had "_steps rising_" and in the very next page he writes-- "Herodotus says, that in his time [484 B. C.] the great Pyramid was coated with stone, _so as to present a smooth surface_--[consequently _no_ "steps rising"]--on all its sides from the base to the top. The second Pyramid of Ghizeh, called the Pyramid of Cephrenes, _in its present condition_ (1842), presents on the _lower_ part ranges of steps, with an accumulation of _angular_ [triangular] stones at the base, which _originally_ filled up the interstices between the steps, but have fallen down. _In the upper part_ the intermediate layers are still in their places, and _the sides present a smooth surface to the top_. [Thus is Herodotus confirmed.] There is no doubt that _originally_, every Pyramid of Egypt _was built with its sides perfectly smooth_. _The_ STEPS _formed no part of the plan_! [This is true, but a direct denial of himself.] It is in this state only that they ought to be considered, and in this state _any possible resemblance_ between them and what are called the Pyramids of America, _ceases_!" Now not only does the Traveller contradict himself in writing of the original character of the Egyptian Pyramids, but worse,--a direct denial of himself upon the ground that the American cannot be Egyptian, because all "resemblance ceases" upon contemplating the _sides_ of the structures of both countries in their original character,--or in other words, if the American Pyramid (or any part of it) had been derived from Egypt, the sides would have been faced with stone, so as to present a smooth surface. Granted. Here follows, then, his own description, where the fact of identity is established at Palenque! "The Palace [Temple] stands on an artificial elevation of an oblong form, forty feet high, three hundred and ten feet in front and rear, and two hundred and sixty feet on each side. _This elevation_ [pyramidal] _was formerly faced with stone, which has been thrown down_ by the growth of trees."