ions on the Language of Signs. 349. 
in MS. with some F editions: and as the subject i is both cu- 
rious and useful, we do not hesitate to insert it notwith- 
st it has already ered substantially in aweekly 
ournal.*—Ep. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the ka 
Iv compliance with the duty, which you have soriguetl 
to me for this evening, | was about to continue the inquiry 
in relation to that class of animals, called Zoophytes, which 
commenced ata former meeting 5 but as my attention 
has been forcibly wecited ‘by that part of Major Long’s 
expedition to the Rocky mountains, which treats of the 
language ¥ gene employed by the aborigines of our mer 
tern territory, | beg you will indulge me in some obser 
ect which may appear foreign to the objepte 
of the Led n of Natural History. It may, however, be 
considered as a branch of Anthropology, andiecordingly 
within the purviews of the society ; and if we adopt the 
maxim, 
« Nil humani a me alienum puto,”’ 
then [shall not be accused of travelling out of the ae 
where there are so many other topics connected with the 
natural sciences demanding the attention of its votaries. 
e elucidation of a sign language is_peculiarly attrac- 
ting to me, as connected with the interest of the institution 
___ im this city, for the instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, 
»» Over which J have a superintending care. I therstes — 
pe to fix your attention for a few minutes ona subject _ 
which, although novel in this society, may be made agr 
able, and, I hope, interesting to its members. i 
_ The Indians x artars, or ge pibebitae 
