Lastly, Mr. Washington Matthews
states that the conventional sign of astonishment with the wild
tribes of the western parts of the United States "is made by placing
the half-closed hand over the mouth; in doing this, the head is often
bent forwards, and words or low groans are sometimes uttered."
Catlin[14] makes the same remark about the hand being pressed over
the mouth by the Mandans and other Indian tribes.
[13] Huschke, ibid. p. 18.
_Admiration_.--Little need be said on this head. Admiration apparently
consists of surprise associated with some pleasure and a sense of approval.
When vividly felt, the eyes are opened and the eyebrows raised; the eyes
become bright, instead of remaining blank, as under simple astonishment;
and the mouth, instead of gaping open, expands into a smile.
_Fear, Terror_.--The word `fear' seems to be derived from what is
sudden and dangerous;[15] and that of terror from the trembling
of the vocal organs and body. I use the word `terror' for
extreme fear; but some writers think it ought to be confined
to cases in which the imagination is more particularly concerned.
Fear is often preceded by astonishment, and is so far akin to it,
that both lead to the senses of sight and hearing being instantly aroused.
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