Note 26 — II. The Mathematical Elements.

To enter into this debated question at length would not be possible in this connection; but I would merely note: (1) The positive assertion of Landa that the Maya year “invariably” began July 16 (Cosas de Yucatan, p. 236), could not be true even for five years, unless the bissextile correction was made, which he asserts was done; (2) the example of a Maya year given by Aguilar (Informe contra Idolum Cultores del Obispado de Yucatan, Madrid, 1639), is actually one containing six intercalary days, “seis dias que fueron sus caniculares;” and (3) Father Martin de Leon, in his “Calendario Mexicano,” pointedly states that the fourth year was a bissextile year (Camino del Cielo, fol. 100, Mexico, 1611). I do not maintain that this knowledge was general, but that it had been acquired by the astronomer-priests of certain localities. The investigations of Mrs. Zelia Nuttall tend to demonstrate this opinion.