e
edge;" _ee_ is the plural form in Cakchiquel of the word, as _eeb_
of the Quiche; _euob_ is also a plural form in the Tzental, as I
think, from a singular _eu-ee_. The name must denote the same thing
in all the languages, i. e., "a row of teeth," "flight of steps"--a
signification which harmonizes excellently with many Mexican forms
of the character [plate LXVI, 12] as well as with the Meztitlan
name of it (_itlan_, "his tooth").

Dr Brinton says that "in Maya _eb_ is the plural of _e_, which means
'points' or 'ends,' like those of pins or thorns, and plainly was
intended to designate the broom by reference to its numerous points.
From the same idea, rows of teeth received the same name. The Tzental
and Quiche names _e_ and _euob_--the latter a plural--were from the same
radical and had the same signification." He says the Nahuatl and Zapotec
names both signify the brush or broom of twisted twigs, or stiff grass
used for cleaning and dusting, and also this grass itself. Thus he
brings the names of the five calendars into harmony. This explanation
corresponds with that given by Clavigero of the Mexican term, which he
says is the name of a certain plant of which brooms were made.

I am inclined to believe the symbol in this instance is a mere
pictograph intended to represent the tip of some lanceolate leaf, the
dots denoting the hairs along the edge. The tips of the "reed grass," as
shown in the symbolic representation of _Zacatla_ ("Nombres Geograficos"
by Penafiel; plate LXVI, 13), would give precisely the dot-bordered
tooth in the symbol. It is to be observed, however, that the Mexican
symbol for this day, the usual form of which is shown in LXVI, 14, is
essentially different and has joined with the green blades the skeleton
underjaw. In some instances, as at _Malinaltepec_ ("Nombres
Geograficos"), the entire skull is added. A more elaborate form of the
symbol, from the Borgian Codex plate 26, is given in LXVI, 15. Here the
skeleton jaw is replaced by the roots of the plant; observe, however,
the brush-like projections above. Are we to see in this associated
death's-head a reference to death, or rather to the earth, a symbolism
undoubtedly found in the Tro. Codex? Or must we suppose that behind the
name is to be found the signification of the Meztitlan name _itlan_,
from _tlantli_, "tooth?" Dr Seler remarks that "it seems to me quite
possible that the point surrounded by dots in th