String, Fish and Cash in a Mix (Shui-Huo-Ti Pai), Why?

I read the following excerpt somewhere a while back.
I have questions to ask to see if anybody can help.

Why  STRINGS, FISH and CASH IN SHUI-HUO PAI?

How far back is this pai dated? Sounds like only the compass-
directions were left out.

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=93"Shui-huo Ti Pai. A set of 120 cards. Widely distributed in
Northeastern 3 provinces, North China and along the coast of Long
River. Also there are many manufacturers spread over wide areas.
"Strings" 1 is called "Big Fish Card" or "Small Fish Card" and a
picture of big fish or a child catching a fish is drawn on it. There
are two kinds of patterns of "Strings" cards; one is the realistic
picture of fish and the other is the bundle of coins.
Circle 1, Circle 9, "Strings" 1 (small fish), Strings 9, "Myriad" 1
and "Myriad" 9 are printed in full color showing that they are the
high point cards. The characteristic of this "Shui-huo Ti Pai" is the
big indices at the top and bottom of the cards.=94

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Mahjong Museum source

I am not sure what Museum this is. Not sure if "indices" is correct
rither.
+++++++++++++
Cheers.......al