106 A STUDY OF THE MANUSCRIPT TROANO. 



The figures in the lower division of this plate, I think, are easily inter- 

 preted. Here is the cloud, or moisture, represented in the form of a serpent, 

 with a Tlaloc head to denote its beneficial and fertilizing influence. Tlaloc, 

 who has been riding upon it, now starts upon his descent to earth, bearing 

 upon his back the symbol of abundance of food — a vase filled with corn 

 and a vine loaded with fruit. 



I am aware that I have heretofore referred to the serpent as a symbol 

 of time, but this diversity in the application of this symbol has been recog- 

 nized by others. Bancroft, after a thorough consultation of the numerous 

 authorities in his extensive library, remai'ks, in speaking of the attributes 

 of the Mexican god Huitzilopoctli: "Huitzilopoctli is also a snake god. 

 * * * * jf ^\^Q snake signifies in one case time, in another world, and 

 in another instance water, or the yearly rejuvenation of germs and blos- 

 soms, the eternal circle of nature, divination, soothsaying, it is quite projier, 

 for all these qualities are found united in the god." 



The figures in the upper division of XXVII are very similar in char- 

 acter and signification to those just described. Here is the snake cloud 

 floating along, the crimson underlining indicating either the lightning or 

 the effect of the setting sun. On the head stands Tlaloc, while he pours 

 out the rain from the inverted vase in his hands. On another part stands a 

 goddess, possibly Ixmol, also pouring the refreshing rain on the parched 

 earth. 



The central figure in the lower division of this plate has already been 

 alluded to and the conclusion reached that it is the female deity Xnuc, the 

 mountain, or moimtain range, from which the rains of that region mostly 

 come. The chief parts of the figures in this division may be thus explained: 

 The blue lines, the rain flowing out from the skirts and down the sides ; 

 the serpent, the embryo cloud on the summit, through which the lightning, 

 represented by the red dots, is playing. Here we see the four Chacs, Avith 

 their distinguishing marks upon them; also Tlaloc, with a singular head- 

 dress. 



From a careful study of these four plates I conclude that XXV pre- 

 cedes XXIV, and that XXVII j^recedes XXVI, in other words, should pro- 

 ceed to the left in the order paged. 



