In the construction of their buildings and the measurements of their land, these nations had developed quite an accurate series of lineal measures, taking as their unit certain average lengths of the human body, especially the upper extremity. In a study of this subject, published during the present year, I have set forth their various terms employed in this branch of knowledge, and compared their system with that in use among the Mayas and the Aztecs.[16-1] It would appear that the Cakchiquels did not borrow from their neighbors, but developed independently the system of mensuration in vogue among them. This bears out what is asserted in the _Annals_ of Xahila, that their “day-breaking,” or culture, was of spontaneous growth. The art of picture writing was familiar to all these peoples. It was employed to preserve their national history, to arrange their calendar, and, doubtless, in the ordinary affairs of life.[16-2] But I am not aware that any example or description of it has been preserved, which would enable us to decide the highly important question, whether their system was derived from that of the Mexicans or that of the Mayas, between which, as the antiquary need not be informed, there existed an almost radical difference. The word for “to write,” is _[c,]ibah_, which means, in its primary sense, “to paint;” _ah[c,]ib_, is “the scribe,” and was employed to designate the class of literati in the ancient dominion. Painted or written records were called _[c,]ibanic_. They had a literature beyond their history and calendars. It consisted of chants or poems, called _bix_, set orations and dramas.[17-1] They were said or sung in connection with their ceremonial dances. These performances were of the utmost importance in their tribal life. They were associated with the solemn mysteries of their religion, and were in memory of some of the critical events in their real or mythical history. This will be obvious from the references to them in the pages of their _Annals_. These chants and dances were accompanied by the monotonous beating of the native drum, _tun_, by the shrill sound of reed flutes, _xul_, by the tinkling of small metal bells, _[c]alakan_, which they attached to their feet, and by rattles of small gourds or jars containing pebbles, known as _zoch_. Other musical instruments mentioned, are the _chanal_, the whistle (_pito_, _Dicc. Anon._), and _tzuy_, the marimba, or something like it.