CERTAIN NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 5 



pressing against the fore-finger, being first moderately ex- 

 tended either to the right or left, is brought with a moderate 

 jerk to the opposite side, as if something was pulled along 

 by the hand. Consequently the sign of water preceding this 

 sign would convey the expression " give me water." 



Earth. The two hands open and extended, brought horizon- 

 tally near each other opposite to either knee, then carried 

 to the opposite side and raised in a curve movement until 

 brought round and opposite to the face. 



Air. The right hand held perpendicularly upwards and 

 brought forwards with a tremulous or vibratory motion until 

 it passes beyond the face. 



Big, great or large. The two bands open placed wide apart on 

 each side the body and moved forwards. 



Fear, to be afraid, to cause fear . The two hands with the fin- 

 gers turned inwards opposite to the lower ribs, then brought 

 upwards with a tremulous movement as if to represent the 

 common idea of the heart rising up to the throat, the tbree 

 last signs placed in the order given, would convey the idea 

 of a violent hurricane. 



Sun. The thumb and finger forming a circle elevated in front 

 towards the face. 



Moon. The thumb and finger open are elevated towards the 

 right ear; this last sign is generally preceded by sign of the 

 night or darkness which 



Night is the two hands open and extended crossing one another 

 horizontally. 



Heat. The two hands raised as high as the head and bendino- 

 forwards horizontally with the points of the fingers curving 

 a little downwards. 



Cold. The same sign as for air, but when applied to a per- 

 son the right hand is shut and held up nearly opposite the 

 shoulder and put into a tremulous motion. 



/. The fingers of the right hand laid against the breast. This 

 last sign with that preceding placed after it would signify I 

 am cold. 



Smoak. Begin with the sign of fire then raise the hand up- 

 ward with the fingers open as if to represent smoak. 



