There is no doubt that these Mexican pyramids were built by Moses for the same purpose as those in Egypt; and that these were similarly finished off with casing-stones, to preserve the corn from the effects of the elements, like their prototypes throughout Egypt. Dr. Robertson in his _History of North and South America_, says:— “As far as one can gather from their obscure and inaccurate descriptions, the great temple of Mexico, the most famous in New Spain, which has been represented as a magnificent building, raised to such a height that the ascent to it was by a flight of a hundred and fourteen steps, was a solid mass of earth of a square form, faced partly with stone. Its base on each side extended ninety feet, and decreasing gradually as it advanced in height, it terminated in a quadrangle of about thirty feet.” In its original state this building would have terminated in a sharp point, instead of a quadrangle of such extent; and have been faced entirely with stone, smoothly polished, from base to summit—resembling the Egyptian pyramids. When the Spaniards under Cortes, visited Mexico, “the Empire[67] was at a pitch of grandeur to which no society ever attained in so short a period. Its dominion extended from the North to the South sea, over territories stretching, with some small interruption, above five hundred leagues from east to west, and more than two hundred from north to south, comprehending provinces, not inferior in fertility, population, and opulence, to any in the torrid zone. “The people were warlike and enterprising, the authority of the monarch unbounded, and his revenues considerable. If, with the forces which might have been suddenly assembled in such an empire, Montezuma had fallen upon the Spaniards whilst encamped on a barren unhealthy coast, unsupported by any ally, without a place of retreat, and destitute of provisions, it seems to be impossible, even with all the advantages of their superior discipline and arms, that they could have stood the shock, and they must either have perished in such an unequal contest, or have abandoned the enterprise.” The Spaniards were received by Montezuma in the city of Mexico, and Dr. Robertson goes on to say:— “When they drew near the city, about a thousand persons, who appeared to be of distinction, came forth to meet them, adorned with plumes and clad in mantles of fine cotton. Each of these, in his order, passed by Cortes, and saluted him according to the mode deemed most respectful and submissive in their country. They announced the approach of Montezuma himself, and soon after his harbingers came in sight.