CHAPTER IV.
THE SYMBOLS OF THE BIRD AND THE SERPENT.
Relations of man to the lower animals .-- Two of these, the BIRD and the SERPENT, chosen as symbols beyond all others .-- The Bird throughout America the symbol of the Clouds and Winds .-- Meaning of certain species .-- The symbolic meaning of the Serpent derived from its mode of locomotion, its poisonous bite, and its power of charming .-- Usually the symbol of the lightning and the Waters .-- The Rattlesnake the symbolic species in America .-- The war charm .-- The Cross of Palenque .-- The god of riches .-- Both symbols devoid of moral significance 99.