46 



over left fist, as though breakin<;- something, and stop at a i)oint in front 

 of and little below left fist, and lastly point upward with right hand, 

 (fig. 2). {Sahaptin I.) "Of all here he is strongest." 



The right fist, palm downward, is struck against the bieast several 

 times, and the index is then quickly elevated before the face, pointing 

 upward. [Apache I.) 



Oidy by showing willingness to tight. (Apache III.) 



Deaf-mute natural sign. — To run forward with a bold expression of 

 the countenance. (Larson.) 



Pantomime. — Not to run back but to run forward. (Zeigler.) 



Brave. 



" Hold firml.y closed left hand about eight inches in front of centre of 

 body, left forearm horizontal, pointing to right and front, back of left 

 hand vertical, and on line of prolongation of forearm ; bringing the firmly 

 closed right hand some six inches above and a little in front of left hand, 

 back to right and front, and on line of forearm ; strike downward with 

 right hand, mostly by elbow action, the second joints of right hand 

 l)assing close to and about ou a line with knuckles of left hand. 



"1 believe there is no gesture in the Indian sign-language that is as 

 flexible and possesses as much strength and character in its meaning as 

 this, for, when added to other signs, it intensifies their description 

 wonderfully ; adds, in fact, the superlative to every idea ; gives heroic 

 character to bravery; arrant cowardice to timidity; makes an ordinary 

 meal a feast, and of a fast, starvation ; ])leasure becomes bliss, and care 

 most bitter soitow. Pointing to a man and making this sign would 

 convey to an Indian's mind the idea that he was brave, fearless ; and 

 this, to them, is the highest, most perfect, virtue, and creates not only 

 respect, but positive i-everence." 



The foregoing is quoted from an article in the United Service for July, 

 1880, written by an author who, according to his strong expressions, is 

 obviously affiicted with a theory of a stereotyi)e and universal sign lan- 

 guage among the Indians, which is supported by his avowedly taking 

 •' means " of signs. His descriptions are therefore liable to some of the 

 cautionary remarks in the Introductory Letter to this i)amphlet, but as 

 it is highly interesting to ascertain the use of an intensive or superlative 

 sign, the quotation is printed to attract the attention of corresiwndents. 

 If they meet with, or cau recall the precise sign as above described, aud 

 in the same exact sense, they will please state the tiibe and all particu- 

 lars. Something like this sign, with some resemblance to its use as an 

 intensive, api)ears elsewhere in this paper, but not with the signification 

 of "brave," under which head it was given by the author and therefore 

 is so placed here. 



