nish
some aid in arriving at the true signification of the name. As will be
seen by reference to the various forms of the symbol, the bordering of
the circular inclosed space appears to be more permanent than the inner
markings. This is apparent from the fact that the little squares or
blocks are retained in all the types except the anomalous forms shown in
plate LXV, 16-18, and even in one of these (LXV, 18) they appear. On the
other hand, the markings in the inclosed space are varied, and in some
instances, as LXV, 11, are omitted altogether. It would seem, therefore,
from this that the bordering was considered the essential element of the
glyph. From what, then, is the symbol taken? If we turn to Dresden 25c,
we see in the priest's robe, in all probability, that from which the
symbol was derived. Here we have the inner crosshatching and the little
dark blocks or squares around the border. The same pattern is seen also
on Tro. 16*b and c, and on the female dresses, same codex, 20*c and d.
On the latter, in some cases, is the waved line seen in the unusual
forms of the day symbol shown in plate LXV, 17, 18, and 19. Other
examples could be referred to, but attention is called only to one more,
viz, the curtain-like articles exhibited on Tro. 29*b, where we see not
only the inner crosshatching and bordering blocks, but on the side
borders the precise marking of the day symbol shown in plate LXV, 17.

As _chi_, _chii_, signifies not only mouth, but also "limit, border,
margin, shore," and especially the "skirt or loose edge of a garment,"
the relation of the symbol to the name of the day is obvious. It is used
here for its phonetic value--_chi_. As _chii_ signifies "to bite, prick,
to sting as a serpent," and _chan_ denotes "serpent," the true
explanation of the name of the day would seem to be "the biting or
stinging serpent." This will perhaps justify us in supposing that where
the symbol is found on a serpent it must have reference to this
characteristic.

I had not observed when the above was written that Brasseur had
expressed substantially the same view in regard to the origin of this
symbol.

THE SIXTH DAY

Maya, _cimi_; Tzental, _tox_; Quiche-Cakchiquel, _camey_; Zapotec,
_lana_; Nahuatl, _miquiztli_.

Landa's symbol for this day is shown in plate LXV, 24. The usual form in
the Codex Tro. and Cortesian Codex is given in LXV, 25; it is varied
frequently by an extension of the line from the mouth, somewhat a