Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/175

Rh Second. In the plates now under consideration the figures with the two-colored face appear to have some intimate relation to agricultural pursuits.

Third The Kan symbols and these figures are both represented as being attacked by quadrupeds, birds, and worms.

For example, on Plate XXIX, left-hand figure of the second division, we see a bird picking up the planted seed before it has sprouted; in the next figure to the right, same division, we see a small fox-like quadruped seizing it after it has sprouted; in the third division, same plate, and lower divisions of Plates XXX, XXXI, XXXII, and XXXIII, we see quadrupeds, birds, and worms attacking these supposed Zamna figures. In the latter cases the intention was probably to signify that the plant was attacked by these enemies. The figure in the lower left-hand corner of Plate XXX shows three worms at different heights, probably signifying that the root, foliage, and fruit were attacked. The symbol ca in the eye of this figure may be considered a symbol of the cultivated calabash, though it is probably intended to signify that the plant (which I take to be a maize symbol) is dead, having been killed by the attacks of these insect foes.

I am aware that the explanations here given may be considered as somewhat overstrained, yet I am convinced that a close and careful study of these figures and all that can be found relating to them will end in leading others to the same conclusion. I may also add that the difference in the plants or varieties represented by these figures (if such be their signification) is shown by the eye and the marks on the head-dress, which here appear to refer to foliage. Possibly these differences have reference only to the different kinds of corn, but this I think is indicated by the color. See, for example, Plate XXX, third division, the yellow and white.

The peculiar birds in the third divisions of Plates XXX and XXXI may have reference to certain auguries; otherwise I can give no guess as to their meaning,

The next to the right-hand figure of the third division, Plate XXIX, probably represents some such plant as maguey, or yucca.

The lower left-hand figure of Plate XXXI I think simply represents