River Cayster. The building and the courts about it were encompassed every way with a strong wall; that to the west of the lake and to the north was likewise the wall of the city; there was a double wall to the south. Within these walls were four courts, that is, one on every side of the temple; and on each side of the court to the west there was a large open portico, or colonnade, extending to the lake, on which arches of bricks were turned for a covering. The front of the temple was toward the east. The temple was built on several narrow arches, one within another, to which there is a descent. It is probable these arches extended to the porticoes on each side of the western court, and served for foundations for the pillars. The site being a morass, made the expense of such a foundation necessary; so that it is said, as much cost was incurred beneath, as on the fabric above ground. It is probable, also, that the sewers of the city passed this way into the lake. There are great quantities of earthenware pipes in the passages beneath the arches. There seems to have been in the east front of the temple a grand portico, as before this lay three pieces of red granite pillars, each about fifteen feet in length, and one of gray granite broken in two pieces. There are four pillars like the red granite ones in the mosque of St. John, at the village of Ajasalouk, also a fine entablature, and on one of the columns in the mosque is a most beautiful composite capital, which, without doubt, had belonged to the temple. There are vast remains of pillars of hewn stone, upon which we conclude the arches were turned. The pillars, as well as the entire temple, appear to |