other native races of Bolivia we found no distinct number sense at all, as
far as could be judged from the absence, in their language, of numerals in
the proper sense of the word. How they indicated any number greater than
_one_ is a point still requiring investigation. In all other known
instances we find actual number systems, or what may for the sake of
uniformity be dignified by that name. In many cases, however, the numerals
existing are so few, and the ability to count is so limited, that the term
_number system_ is really an entire misnomer.

Among the rudest tribes, those whose mode of living approaches most nearly
to utter savagery, we find a certain uniformity of method. 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. In the Mbocobi
dialect of this language the only native numerals are _yña tvak_, 1, and
_yfioaca_, 2. The Puris[22] count _omi_, 1, _curiri_, 2, _prica_, many; and
the Botocudos[23] _mokenam_, 1, _uruhu_, many. The Fuegans,[24] supposed to
have been able at one time to count to 10, have but three
numerals,--_kaoueli_, 1, _compaipi_, 2, _maten_, 3. The Campas of Peru[25]
possess only three separate words for the expression of number,--_patrio_,
1, _pitteni_, 2, _mahuani_, 3. Above 3 they proceed by combinations, as 1