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Show AaimtvixiBUta of Kuyulty. Near the palatial home of the Monte-cutnas Monte-cutnas were many edifices erected solely for the pleasureof the reigning monarch; prominent was un uviary. iu which birds of splendid plumage were gathered Greaxurea of wondrous tint, deugntsome to th eve, j j Aod feouitx full throated, pouring out j I Their gLuhwjiiio ucs Three hundred attendant- had charge of this rare company of plumy people; to feed them, give them a daily bath, collect bcatlertng plumage, especially in moulting moult-ing season, thus furnishing material for Aztec painters, waa the all engrossing care. Somewhat farther away birds of prey were also luxuriously domiciled vultures vul-tures and eagles and other "villainous eyed desperadoes;" for these, too, much thought waa given, their usual bill of j fare (a daily allowance) included among ! other dainties five hundred plump and! toothsome turkeys j And still beyond, strongly barricaded, were cages for wild animals, reptiles and serpents; the slimy, coiling, head erecting ! creatures held high carnival in long cages ; lined with down or feathers; or. if they I needed recreation, troughs of mud and ! water were at their service. j To all these prisoners of state were given apartments both light and airy, I ample enough as well, in which to move untrammeled; such were imperial orders. and keepers of strength and fearlessness were devoted to their comfort and cleanliness. clean-liness. "Ertenstve gardens surrounded these buildings, full of fragrant shrubs and flowers, and many medicinal plants were cultivated; and fountains of pure water threw up sparkling jets." Ten large tanks well stocked with fislr afforded sport for the lazy angler, and water fowl could here disport the livelong live-long day. A pavement of tessellated marble inclosed in-closed the ample basins, which were overhung by light and fanciful pavilions, admitting the perfumed breezes of tho gardens and offering grateful shelter to the monarch and his friends in Bultry summer heats. This was in the reign of Montezuma Second, early in the Sixteenth century. Oarper'B Bazar. |
