abedghimo
cdcfcdcnb
123kcc
llp

Similar characters in the different groups are represented by the same letter; for example, the symbol for woman, heretofore shown ([No. 17]), is represented by c, and an unknown character by d. Different letters represent different symbols. It is apparent that we have here the parallelism heretofore spoken of and are justified in basing conclusions on this fact.

At 1, 2, and 3 are female figures with a bird in each case perched on the back. At a is the head of a bird, evidently the symbol of the bird on the female below; at i, in the fourth group, is precisely the same symbol as the one found in the same relative position in the middle division of Plate 17 over another bird, and at m, in the fifth group, is another bird’s head. From these facts we conclude that the first symbol in each of these groups denotes a bird, and, as no two are alike, that they refer to different species, the one at g corresponding with symbol [No. 24], the bird beneath being the great parrot or ara. Other facts, derived from a careful study of the various groups of this portion of the codex, which would require much space and numerous illustrations to explain, lead to the same belief.

According to this conclusion, the following symbols also denote birds, probably of the species here indicated.


No. 25.		Icim? The horned owl. This is represented by a in the first group in the above diagram.

The bird in the figure under the group, although horned, bears but slight resemblance to an owl; yet, comparing the marks on the tail with those of two of the birds on Plate XVIII* of the Manuscript Troano, I think the interpretation is justified.


No. 26.		Kukuitz? The Quetzal. The symbol is apparently incomplete, but the bird figured under it justifies this conclusion. This symbol is represented by e in the above diagram.

If this interpretation be correct, we find in this symbol another of Landa’s letters.


No. 27.		Kuch. A vulture or bird of prey much like the sopilote. These two symbols (a and b) appear to refer to the same bird, evidently a vulture. (See Manuscript Troano, Plates XVIIa and XXVI*a.) The first form (a) is found but once (Manuscript Troano, Plate XVIIa), the other at several points, both in the Manuscript Troano and the Dresden Codex, and is represented by m in the preceding diagram.

If this determination be correct, the first of these symbols (a) is probably phonetic and agrees with the interpretation of [No. 26].