This is probably the most remarkable ancient building within the limits of the United States, For a long time it was called the House of Montezuma, though, of course, Montezuma never heard of it.
A similar ruin, called Casas Grandes, exists in Sonora.

The construction is what is called cajon, that is, adobe clay rammed into a box or frame, which is lifted for each successive course as the work advances.

In the dry air of that region such walls become extremely hard, and will endure for ages if the foundations are not sapped.** Kino paid a second visit to the ruin of Casa Grande in 1697, this time accompanied by Captain Juan Mateo Mange, an officer detailed with his command to escort the padres on their perilous journeys.
* The name is written Kuhn, Kuhne, Quino, and in several other ways.
Humboldt used Kuhn, and either this or Kuhne is probably the correct form, but long usage gives preference to Kino.
** See The North Americans of Yesterday, by F.S.Dellenbaugh, p.

234; and for complete details see papers by Cosmos Mindeleff, Thirteenth An.
Rep, Bu.Eth.and Fifteenth An.Rep.Bu, Eth.; also Font's description in Coues's Garces, p.

93.
The method of the authorities was to establish a military post, called a presidio, at some convenient point, from which protection would be extended to several missions.