th), and above, a defaced group. Beside the second, who
holds a flaming torch inverted, is the sign _Muluc_ (symbol of the
east), and above, the group which I have interpreted as east. At
the side of the third, who carries in the left hand the burning
torch inverted and a scepter (symbol of Bacabs), is the sign _Ix_
(symbol of the north), and above, the group which I have translated
as north. Finally, beside the fourth, who carries in his left hand
the flaming torch inverted and a hatchet in the right hand, is the
sign _Cauac_ (symbol of the west), and above, not the entire group,
which I have translated as west, but the first sign of this group,
and also an animal characteristic of the Occident, which has been
identified with the armadillo. I have some doubts upon the subject
of this animal, but its affinity with the qualification of the west
appears to me at least very probable.

We see from this quotation, that Rosny was unable to give any
explanation of the day characters, dots, and L-shaped symbols in the
outer space; also that he was unable to suggest any reason for the
peculiar arrangement of the day symbols in the intermediate circle or
quadrilateral. His suggestions are limited to the four characters placed
opposite the four sides, and which, he believes, and I think correctly,
to be the symbols of the four cardinal points. Whether his conclusion as
to the points they respectively refer to be correct or not, is one of
the questions I propose to discuss in this paper. But before entering
upon this, the most important question regarding the plate, I desire
first to offer what I believe will be admitted to be a correct
explanation of the object and uses of the day symbols, dots, &c., in the
outer space, and the intermediate circle of day characters.

If we examine carefully the day characters and large black dots in the
outer space we shall find that all taken together really form but _one
continuous line_, making one outward and two inward bends or loops at
each corner.

For example, commencing with _Cauac_ (No. 31) (see scheme of the plate,
Fig. 2), on the right side, and running upward toward the top along the
row of dots next the right-hand margin, we reach the character _Chuen_
(No. 32); just above is _Eb_ (No. 33); then running inward toward the
center, along the row of dots to _Kan_ (No. 34); then upward to
_Chicchan_ (No. 35); then outward