The word _hiss_, does not to the English reader convey the correct meaning
here. In many parts of Europe, and, probably, in some of Asia, the common
made of call is by a shrill sound, very different from either a hiss or a
whistle. In some countries it is effected by pressing the tongue against
the teeth with the lips open, and sounding the letters—tsz. In others, it
is usual to begin with the lips compressed, and without closing the teeth,
thus making the sound of the letters psh—but in both, the sibilant sound
predominates, and is heard to a considerable distance, while its
peculiarity instantly attracts attention from all that are within hearing;
and this is no doubt the sense of the term, as here used. The Hebrew
closely resembles, and probably gives the etymology of the English word,
_shriek_. (See Parkhurst.)