A simplified Method of marl ing Numbers on Tallies. 289 



On reference to the annexed sketch, you will observe that 

 the first three signs, and that for 10, are all that I require*. 

 The number 4 is denoted, by joining 3 and 1 ; 5, by joining 

 2 and 3 ; 6, by joining 5 and 1. To denote 7, instead of con- 

 triving an arbitrary figure, I use the sign of 3, prefixed to that 

 of 10, to denote that 3 is subtracted from 10, and 7 remains. 

 In like manner 2 is subtracted from 10, for 8, and 1 is sub- 

 tracted for 9. 



I now take the notch standing for 10, and by placing the 

 signs already made after it, it is denoted that they are to be 

 added to 10. Then we have two notches for 20. 



To denote 30, 1 use the sign 3, with the ten on the top, 

 denoting 3 tens. For 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, I use the same 

 method, but placing the 10 in the openings of the three first. 

 A hundred I denote by the sign of 1, having a notch on both 

 ends; and on the same principle I proceed with the hun- 

 dreds, till I come to a thousand, which requires a new sign, 

 which, however, is formed of two already in use. For 2000, 

 I make a notch at the bottom of the sign used for 2 ; and for 

 3000, at the bottom of 3. We now proceed arbitrarily, and 

 a notch on both legs denotes 4000 ; on the left arm, 5000 ; 

 on the right arm, 6000; on both arms, 7000; on both 

 arms, and one leg, 8000 ; on both arms, and both legs, 

 9000. Ten thousand is marked by the notch prefixed ; 

 100,000 by the 100 mark prefixed; 200,000 by the 200 

 mark, and so on. To give a few examples of numbers, 440 

 is denoted by the sign of 400, and a notch in the opening ; 

 also, 550, 660, and 770, 880,990, by detached notches at the 

 top. Thus it appears, the system of knife marks on wood, is 

 earned as far as it seems likely to be necessary, by means 



vol. vii. P p 



