word, is another indication that the rendering is correct,
and probably accounts for the circle being of dots. (See above under
_akbal_.) This interpretation appears to be further supported by the
form of the symbol for the month _Mol_ as found at Dres. 47c. (See plate
LXIV, 50.)

The hint furnished by these characters may enable us to gain a correct
idea of the signification of the dotted line which surrounds one of the
characters in each group of Dres. 7c, one of which is shown in plate
LXV, 47. As the inclosing line of dots appears in some cases (but not
all, for in some instances _o_ or _u_ appears to form the chief phonetic
element) to indicate _mo_ or _mu_, it is possible that this glyph may be
properly interpreted by _muhul_, "a gift, dower, present," or "to
present a gift or dower, to offer a present." Hence the whole character
shown in plate LXV, 47, may be interpreted "to make a gift of
cacao."[238-1]

The usual form of the Mexican symbol of this day is shown in plate LXV,
48, the leaf-like portion being blue in the original to indicate water.
In regard to the origin of the character, Seler remarks: "If the Maya
character agrees with the Mexican (_atl_), we must look upon it as a
water vessel." Yet after a number of illustrations and references he
declares: "I by no means affirm that the _vessel_ is expressed by the
form of this character. The form seems to me to express rather the water
drop."

It is more likely that it represents a little circular hillock, seen
from above, or something of that nature surrounded by a ring, as the
significations given the Maya word _mul_ are "hillock, heap, mound,
mountain, ants' nest, etc." However, if Henderson is correct in giving
as one of its special meanings "out of many one," its origin may readily
be seen. That it was taken from some object which could be designated by
the word _mul_ or _mol_ may confidently be assumed. Hence the symbol is
used for its phonetic value as a day character and not with any
reference to the object represented. The little circle and loops seen in
plate LXV, 43, from the Cortesian Codex 30b, are probably, as heretofore
stated, introduced to give the _c_ sound. Dr Brinton suggests that it
represents one thing in another of the same kind, with a reference to
collecting together or heaping up.

THE TENTH DAY

Maya, _oc_; Tzental, _elab_; Quiche-Cakchiquel, _tzi_; Zapotec, _tella_;
Nahuatl, _itzcuintli_.

The symbol of this day as give