MALLERY. } TRADE—BARTER. 451 
Strike the extended index finger of the right hand several times upon 
that of the left. (Wéied.) Ihave described the same sign in different 
terms and at greater length. It is only necessary, however, to place 
the fingers in contact once. The person whom the prince saw making 
this sign may have meant to indicate something more than the simple 
idea of trade, 7. e., trade often or habitually. The idea of frequency is 
often conveyed by the repetition of a sign (as in some Indian languages 
by repetition of the root). Or the sign-maker may have repeated the 
sign to demonstrate it more clearly. (Matthews.) ‘Though some differ- 
ence exists in the motions executed in Wied’s sign and that of (Oto and 
Missouri I), there is sufficient similarity to justify a probable identity 
of conception and to make them easily understood. (Boteler.) In the 
author’s mind exchange was probably intended for one transa“tion, in 
which each of two articles took the plac. before occupied by the other, 
and trade was intended for a more general and systematic barter, indi- 
cated by the repetition of strokes. Such distinction would not perhaps 
have occurred to most observers, but as the older authorities, such as 
Long and Wied, give distinct signs under the separate titles of trade and 
exchange they must be credited with having some reason for so doing. 
A pictograph connected with this sign is shown on page 381, supra. 
Cross the forefingers of both hands before the breast. (Burton.) 
“Diamond cut diamond.” This conception of one smart trader cutting 
into the profits of another is a mistake arising from the rough resem- 
blance of the sign to that for cutting. Captain Burton is right, how- 
ever, in reporting that this sign for trade is also used for white man, 
American, and that the same Indians using it orally call white men 
“shwop,” from the English or American word “swap” or “swop.” This 
is a legacy from the early traders, the first white men met by the West- 
ern tribes, and the expression extends even to the Sahaptins on the 
Yakama River, where it appears incorporated in their language as 
swiapoin. It must have penetrated to them through the Shoshoni. 
Cross the index fingers. (Iacgowan.) 
Cross the forefingers at right angles. (Arapaho I.) 
Both hands, palms facing each other, forefingers extended, crossed 
right above left before the breast. (Cheyenne 11.) 
The left hand, with forefinger extended, pointing toward the right 
(rest of fingers closed), horizontal, back outward, otherwise as (M), is 
held in front of left breast about a foot; and the right hand, with fore- 
finger extended (J), in front of and near the right breast, is carried out- - 
ward and struck over the top of the stationary left (+) crosswise; where 
it remains tor a moment. (Dakota I.) 
Hold the extended left index about a foot in front of the breast, point- 
ing obliquely forward toward the right, and lay the extended right in- 
