Kendell-Mann numbers $M(n)$ ( see the sequence A000140 http://oeis.org/A000140 ) have the simple property: $M(n+1) \approx (n-1/2)M(n)$. The property can be proved by different methods. For eg. http://mathoverflow.net/questions/46368/the-property-of-kendall-mann-numbers What I am looking for is to find out if a combinatorial proof exists? For eg. Let us start: Suppose we look at all the permutations of $n-1$ in the maximal grouping, then at all the permutation of $n$ in that maximal grouping; is there any simple way in which each permutation in the first set gives rise to $n$ permutations in the second? Better yet, a simple way in which about half the $n-1$-permutations give rise to $n$ $n$-permutations each, and the other half give rise to $n+1$ $n$-permutations each? Any hints are higly welcomed. I hope that the combinatorial proof will makes the reason for the simple property more transparent.