FORSTKMANN] THREE INSCRIPTIONS OF PALENQUE 589 



alike, a few of which I have already discussed above, and inclose in 

 parentheses the number of intervening signs that are unlike: 



Hence in each ;^0 o;lyphs 14 are alike, occurring in the same order 

 of succession, and only 6 in each are unlike. But even of these M 2 

 proves to belong to P 5, possibly as a variant, as it has the same 

 prefix. 



Many comparisons of other glyphs in these inscriptions might be 

 made here, but enough has no doubt been said to stimulate further 

 research. It is a remarkable fact that the glyphs of the individual 

 gods do not seem to appear at all in these tablets as they have been 

 pointed out to us by Schellhas. At most I l^elieve that I have a clew 

 to the two gods C and K, perhaps also to D and A ; but to follow up 

 this clew now would lead me too far. 



All that I have communicated here doubtless gives the impression 

 that I scarcely know how to answer the obvious question, AMiat does 

 all this mean ? that in the decipherment of the inscriptions, even far 

 more than in that of the manuscripts, we are yet only at the very 

 beginning. This is certainly to be regretted, especialh^ on account 

 of the progressive decay of the originals, but still more unfortunate 

 is the lack of workers who will earnestly strive for the advancement 

 of science in this department. Even the Americanist congresses 

 either regard Maya research as secondary, although it concerns itself 

 directly with the highest mark attained by all aboriginal Indian 

 culture, or they give it no consideration at all. So I feel that my 

 position is an isolated one, and I foresee, besides, that my activity 

 in this field of reseach will soon be terminaled. Therefore let us 

 hope that this communication, aside from its especial object, may be 

 regarded as an invitation to cooperate with me. 



