ll find that it brings us
to 1 Muluc, the sixth day of the fourth month; 52 days more to 1 Ymix; 52
more to 1 Been, and 52 more to 1 Chicchan, thus completing the day column
in the example given. This proves, in this case at least, that the red
numeral over the day column applies to all the days of the column and
that the whole numeral series--that is to say, the sum of the
counters--represents the interval between the successive days of the
column. The total number of days from 1 Caban, first of the column, to 1
Chicchan, the last, is 208. Adding 52 more gives 260 and brings us back
to 1 Caban, our starting point.

It will be observed that the sum of the black numbers--which denotes the
interval between the days of the column--is 52, which is a multiple of
13, the number of days in a Maya week. It follows, therefore, that so far
as this rule holds good the last red numeral of the series must be the
same as that over the day column. In a former work[282-1] I explained the
method of ascertaining the relations of the days of a column to one
another by means of the intervals without reference to the numbers
attached to them, a subject to which Charency had previously called
attention;[282-2] by the explanation now given we ascertain the true
intervals between the days _as numbered_. The two modes therefore form
checks to each other and will aid very materially in restoring
obliterated and doubtful days.

There is another point in regard to these series which may as well be
illustrated by means of the example given as any other. What is the
signification of the red numerals of the series? They are unnecessary if
the only object in view was to indicate the intervals between the days of
the column. Nor will the supposition that the Mayas had not discovered a
means of representing higher numbers than 20 suffice, as the introduction
of 13 would have lessened the labor and shortened the calculation. But
one answer to this inquiry appears possible, viz, that these numbers are
intended to denote certain intermediate days to which importance was for
some reason attached. These intermediate days can readily be determined
from the data given, and in the present example are as follows:

(1) Between 1 Caban and 1 Muluc they are 12 Lamat, 5 Ix, 1 Akbal, 5
Manik, 12 Ix, and 8 Akbal.

(2) Between 1 Muluc and 1 Ymix they are 12 Ahau, 5 Cimi, 1 Men, 5
Cauac, 12 Cimi, and 8 Men.

(3) Between 1 Ymix and 1 Been they ar