Thus, in Welsh, 36 is _unarbymtheg ar ugain_, 1 + 5 + 10 + 20; and in Nahuatl the same number is _cempualli caxtolli oce_, 20 + 15 + 1.

Hence these and similar number systems, though commonly alluded to as vigesimal, are really mixed scales, with 20 as their primary base.

The Canaque scale differs from the Nahuatl only in forming a compound word for 15, instead of introducing a new and simple term.
In the examples which follow, it is not thought best to extend the lists of numerals beyond 10, except in special instances where the illustration of some particular point may demand it.

The usual quinary scale will be found, with a few exceptions like those just instanced, to have the following structure or one similar to it in all essential details: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-5-1, 10-5-2, 10-5-3, 10-5-4, 20.

From these forms the entire system can readily be constructed as soon as it is known whether its principal base is to be 10 or 20.
Turning first to the native African languages, I have selected the following quinary scales from the abundant material that has been collected by the various explorers of the "Dark Continent." In some cases the numerals of certain tribes, as given by one writer, are found to differ widely from the same numerals as reported by another.