The Arizona sentinel., 1888-05-12
POPULAR BELIEFS.
Some of Those Held by the Zuni Indians
 and Other Refined People.

Some or Those H cid by the Zuni Indians
 and Other Refined People.
 A recent article on the ''S.ven Cities of Cibola'' IS responsible for the state ment that tho z mi Indians believed that the stones in the brooks caused the water to run. It is also a fact that this curious people believed that the summer did not bring the birds. but that the birds brought the summer
 But these beliefs are not any more absurd than many held by more en- lightenel people.
 In some remote corners of New Jer- sey, for instance, there are people who believe that it is the trees that make the wind blow.
 There are other people. all over the country. who believe that the Quakers bring the rain.
 In so ne portions of the West where the people have few chances for in- tellectual advancement they firmly believe that it is the thermometers that keep a house warm in the winter, and cool in summer.
 Out in ArIz ona the average native is of the opinion that the pearlv show CTS of summertime arc brought by the ducks.
 In Bermuda the people hold the white onion sacred, as the father of all hyacinths. They think it's scent more exquisite and balmy than that of any other flower or herb, and that the human sense of smell is not sensitive enough to appreciate it.
 A certain class of hunters and trap pers think the COW was furnis he'd with horns that they might have conven- tent receptacles for their gunpowder.
 In Boston it is universally accept ed fact that the shortness and stubbi- ness of a pug's head is owing to the tight twist of his tail. The Bostoni- ans believe, also. that their city would come to an end if the sea were to dry up; and that the sea would be drunk dry by the codfish if the latter were allowed to multiply undisturbed. So they catch and eat all the codfsh they can. that the sea may not dry up
 Philadelphians think that the ocean would always be smooth if it were not for the ships blowing through it and tossing it up.
 In Cincinnati many people think that cornetist makes his music with hls fingers, like pianist. In the case of tish-horn, they think the vendors soul is full of the horrible unmusie peculiar to him and that he blows out through the horn. Many Pitts burgh- CTS are convinced that the locomotive is stopped at the various stations by the weight of the cars, which is ar- ranged to tire the locomotive out at the proper places. They differ in this respect from the St. Louis people. who could not be induced by argument or force 10 deviate from their opinion, that, when they travel, the cars stand still and the earth moves in the oppo- site direction. The Kentuckians pos sess a secret which is simply unique. They know that the smoke coming from locomotive is caused by its ex- haustion, and that it runs itself This they prove by the statement that the locomotive gets out of breath on an and is beautiful symbol of the pluck and cheerfulness that should all uphill work.
 The Indians out in Indianapolis think it is the ripping of the eddies and the twisting of the waters that make the eel wriggle as he swims.
 All millers know that polar bears and Esquimaux dogs have white fur. Consequently they regard white as the proper color to keep the cold out and consequently wear white hats in the dead of winter.
 Many people, without regard to residence. believe that what will keep off warmth will keep off cold. Conse- quently they wear flannel in the winter 10 keep warm, and flannel in the sum- mer to keep cool.
 From these few examples, it is hoped the reader will conclude that the savages are no more extravagant in their beliefs and fancies than are their more polished brothers, who have all the advantages of refinement and cdu- cation -PUcE.