Note XXVII-53 — Chapter XXVII · CENTRAL AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS. 1886.

Antigua, or Old Guat., presents its majestic ruins, much the same as they were left by the earthquakes of 1773. Many of the buildings appear like fortresses. Among the best preserved are the old government palace and the university. The place was much damaged by an earthquake in 1874. Thompson in his Cent. Am. has a description of the ruins as they were in 1825, 245-9; others have described them at later dates. Stephens' Trav., i. 266-71, 278-80; ii. 204; Reichardt, Cent. Am., 53-5; Macgregor's Prog. of Am., i. 791-2; Valois, Mexique, 376-8, 390; Squier's Cent. Am., 456, 504-10; Batres' Sketch, 27-9, 40. Quezaltenango is 8,130 feet above the sea. It is every day growing in importance and wealth. Living is cheap there; the climate is cool and healthy. Most of the streets are narrow, but they are well paved and have flagstone sidewalks. The houses are of good appearance, some of them of two stories. Among the public buildings are the penitentiary, on the plan of that in Philadelphia, the Indian cabildo of two stories, the hospital, national institute, and other educational establishments, some fine churches, etc. Boddam Whetham's Across Cent. Am., 66-7; Conkling's Guide, 334, 337, 343. The city of Flores, head town of the department of Peten, is worthy of mention for its picturesque position on one of the islands of Lake Itzal, and its charming view from a distance. The place is hot, however, and uncleanly.