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Show Grata Knots Convey Menage to Gyptiei Close observers may have noticed In the neighborhood of country crossroads, cross-roads, or where roads diverge, a tuft of grass which has been tied Into a knot at the top, and probably considered con-sidered It the casual act of some Idler, but such was not the case. Since time Immemorial the grass-knot grass-knot tins been used by the gypsies a a signal and sign. Usually It Is Intended In-tended merely as a guide for a second sec-ond division of a party, Indicating which road has been taken by the first section, but, If necessary, quite elaborate elab-orate messages may be conveyed, a particular meaning being Indicated by the character of the knot and Its position po-sition with regard to the road whether close to or some distance from the wheel tracks, whether on the right or left of the right of way. The second party Is even able to tell with considerable accuracy how long it baa been since the first party tied the knot This Is accomplished by the breaking of a handful of grass stems when the knot Is tied the degree de-gree to which broken stems are dried being a pretty clear Indication of the time that has elapsed. |