The Sacred Cenote is larger, and more symmetrical than the other, and, occurring in the midst of the somber forest, is a most impressive and awe-inspiring spectacle. Its charm is enhanced by the weird stories of human sacrifice associated correctly or incorrectly with its history. The walls are nearly circular and approach the perpendicular closely all around. They are diversified only by the encircling ribs and pitted grooves produced by the uneven weathering of the massive, horizontally-bedded limestones. The water has a light coffee color and looks very impure. It is shallow on one side and of unknown depth on the other. A small tomb-like ruin is perched upon the brink. It is conjectured that this structure had something to do with the ceremonies attending the casting of victims and treasure into the terrible pool. There has been some talk of exploring the accumulations from the bottom of this cenote with the expectation of securing works of art or other treasures, but the task is a most formidable one and will require the erection of strong windlasses and efficient dredging apparatus. It is doubtful if promised results warrant the outlay necessary for carrying out the work in a thorough manner.[84] [Illustration: PL. XX SHIELD OF WOOD WITH MOSAIC DECORATION BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON] Nevertheless, a few years later, as hinted by Casares, Mr. Edward H. Thompson secured the complete confirmation of the traditions concerning the character of the cenote. He brought out of the mud a most amazing archeological treasure. Through the kindness of Prof. A. M. Tozzer we are enabled to include here drawings of four pieces of mosaic-work which were among the many interesting things discovered. As Professor Tozzer and Dr. Spinden are engaged in an exhaustive study of the cenote material for publication, we will not further anticipate the results of their investigations. [Illustration: FIG. 9] [Illustration: FIG. 10] In figs. 9 and 10 are illustrated two small fragments of wooden objects from the cenote which still retain portions of turquois-mosaic decoration. In fig. 9 the irregularly shaped piece in the center is a thin plate of gold. Both fragments are evidently from objects of considerable size. Several wooden teeth covered with the same kind of mosaic incrustation were probably from a jaguar mask or head. Pl. III represents two fairly complete specimens from the cenote. Of these, _a_ is a small staff or scepter, the face of which is covered with turquois mosaic, and it is possible that the headdress was once similarly incrusted. In _b_ is shown a rattle of wood, within which is a copper bell. Only two bits of turquois of the mosaic decoration remain. [Illustration: FIG. 11]