YES— GOOD— BAD. 25 



and downward. (TitcKkemdtski.) As this corresponds nearly with the sign 

 made for " sit " by the same tribes, its conception may be that of resting 

 upon or settling a question. 



Still another variant is where the right hand, with the forefinger 

 (only) extended, and pointing forward, is held before and near the chest. 

 It is then moved forward one or two feet, usually with a slight curve down- 

 ward. {Matthews.) 



Good. Six diverse signs. 



1. The hand held horizontally, back upward, describes with the arm 

 a horizontal curve outward. {Long.) 



2. Simple horizontal movement of the right hand from the breast. 

 (Wied.) These signs may convey the suggestion of level — no difficulty— 

 and are nearly identical with one of those for "content," "glad." The 

 first of them is like our motion of benediction, but may more suggestively 

 be compared with several of the above signs for "yes," and in opposition to 

 several of those below for "bad" and "no," showing the idea of acceptance 

 or selection of objects presented, instead of their rejection. 



3. With the right hand, palm down, fingers to the left, thumb touching 

 the breast, move the hand straight to the front and slightly upward. 

 {Brisbin.) The Sioux make the same sign without the final upward motion. 

 {McCliesney.) 



4. Wave the right hand from the mouth, extending the thumb from 

 the index and closing the other three fingers. {Burton.) 



5. The right hand, fingers pointing to the left, on a level with mouth, 

 thumb inward, suddenly moved with curve outward, so as to present the 

 palm to the person addressed. {Titchkemdtski.) 



These last signs appear to be connected with a pleasant taste in the 

 mouth, as is the sign of the French and our deaf-mutes, waving thence the 

 hand, back upward, with fingers straight and joined, in a forward and 

 downward curve. The same gesture with hand sidewise is theirs and ours 

 for general assent ; " very well !" 



6. Move the right hand, palm down, over the blanket, right and left 

 several times. {Dorset/.) 



Bad. The signs most common consist mainly in smartly throwing out 

 the dexter fingers as if sprinkling water, or snapping all the fingers from the 



