MALLERY.] GRAMMATIC DEVICES IN SIGNS. 367 
as the case may require for ease in description. (Absaroka I; Shoshoni 
and Banak 1.) 
Long ago.—Both hands closed, forefingers extended and straight; pass 
one hand slowly at arm’s length, pointing horizontally, the other against 
the shoulder or near it, pointing in the same direction as the opposite 
one. Frequently the tips of the forefingers are placed together, and the 
hands drawn apart, until they reach the positions described. (Absaroka 
I; Shoshoni and Banak I.) 
The Comanche, Wichita, and other Indians designate a short time 
ago by placing the tips of the forefinger and thumb of the left hand 
together, the remaining fingers closed, and holding the hand before the 
body with forefinger and thumb pointing toward the right shoulder; the 
index and thumb of the right hand are then similarly held and placed 
against those of the left, when the hands are slowly drawn apart a short 
distance. For a long time ago the hands are similarly held, but drawn 
farther apart. Hither of these signs may be and frequently is preceded 
by those for day, month, or year, when it is desired to convey a definite 
idea of the time past. 
A sign is reported with the abstract idea of future, as follows: “The 
arms are flexed and hands brought together in front of the body as in 
type-position (W). The hands are made to move in wave-like motions 
up and down together and from side to side.” (Oto I.) The authority 
gives the poetical conception of “ Floating on the tide of time.” 
The ordinary mode of expressing future time is, however, by some 
figurative reference, as the following: Count off fingers, then shut all 
the fingers of both hands several times, and touch the hair and tent or 
other white object. (Apache III.) ‘‘ Many years; when I am old (white- 
haired).” 
CONJUNCTIONS. 
An interesting instance where the rapid connection of signs has the 
effect of the conjunction andis shown in NATCI’S NARRATIVE, infra. 
PREPOSITIONS. 
In the TENDOY-HUERILTO DIALOGUE (page 489) the combination of 
gestures supplies the want of the proposition fo. 
PUNCTUATION. 
While this is generally accompanied by facial expression, manner of - 
action, or pause, instances have been noticed suggesting the device of 
interrogation points and periods. 
Mark of interrogation. 
The Shoshoni, Absaroka, Dakota, Comanche, and other Indians, when 
desiring to ask a question, precede the gestures constituting the inform- 
ation desired by a sign intended to attract attention and ‘asking for,” 
viz., by holding the flat right hand, with the palm down, directed to the 
