THOMAS.) THE SERPENT SYMBOL. 85 



Turning to the plates of the Codex, we find that it appears there also 

 ou but three out of the four, being absent in both cases on the page refer- 

 ring to the Ix years. We also observe that on each plate of the Manuscript 

 where the serpent appears tlie vessels bear Kan symbols. 



It is evident, from what has already been shown, that the four plates 

 in each woi'k are intended to cover exactly one cycle. This is proven by 

 the fact that on each the day symbols are repeated thirteen times. It is 

 true that the period embraced by the plates of the Manuscript does not coin- 

 cide with any one cycle, but it covers the thirteen different years of each 

 of the four dominical days, giving them in regular order, thus making one 

 complete cycle. The design in the Codex appears to be to indicate in a , 

 general manner the character of the feasts of the supplemental days only, and 

 to show by the thirteen day-symbols that this is to be applied to all the years 

 of the cycle ; while the plates of the Manuscript are apparently designed to 

 give the same general idea, but at the same time to refer to a specific period, 

 and also that this period shall include the close and commencement of the 

 two great periods; hence the years are specified in the latter, while they 

 are not in the former; the latter also includes allusions to other festivals 

 than those of the Uayeyab. 



Taking for granted, then, that these plates are intended to cover one 

 cycle, and that the serpent denotes a period of time, the natural presump- 

 tion would be that it here represents a cycle, for, although we find evident 

 allusion to the Ahau in these plates of the Manuscript, we see nothing of 

 the kind in those of the Codex.^ 



We might very reasonably suppose those on the plates of the Codex 

 indicated the year, but a close inspection of that on Plate 26 will show that 

 it differs considerably from the other two, is evidently in a dying condition, 

 and is marked with the fatal dotted line. I can see no reason for this dif- 

 ference if they were used to denote the year, and, aside from this, the fact 

 that each one of the idols around which they are coiled is crowned with four 

 leaves, indicating the four dominical days, would seem to forbid this inter- 

 pretation, which certainly cannot be applied to those in the Manuscript. 



'The reader will understand that the word "plates" in this connection is to bo understood as 

 meauing only the four of which I have heeu treating. 



