The entire number system may consist of but two words, _one_ and _many_; or of three words, _one_, _two_, _many_.

Or, the count may proceed to 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or 100; passing always, or almost always, from the distinct numeral limit to the indefinite _many_ or several, which serves for the expression of any number not readily grasped by the mind.

As a matter of fact, most races count as high as 10; but to this statement the exceptions are so numerous that they deserve examination in some detail.

In certain parts of the world, notably among the native races of South America, Australia, and many of the islands of Polynesia and Melanesia, a surprising paucity of numeral words has been observed.

The Encabellada of the Rio Napo have but two distinct numerals; _tey_, 1, and _cayapa_, 2.[20] The Chaco languages[21] of the Guaycuru stock are also notably poor in this respect.