Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-04-26
POPULAR BELIEFS.
some OF Those Held bv the Zuni indiana
anu Other Refined People.

some OF Those Held bv the Zuni Indians
and Other Refined People.
A recent article on the Seven Cities
Ut Cibola" is responsible for the state-
ment that the Zlni Indians believed
that the stones in the brooks caused
the water to run. 1t is also fact that
TINS 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-
| lightened 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 re portions of the West where
the people have few chances for in
teilectual 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
ers of summertime are brought by
the ducks.
In Bermuda the people hold the
white onion sacred. as the father of
all hyacinths. They think its 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 furnished with
horns that they might have conven-
lent receptacles for their gunpowder.
In Boston it is a 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 Goldfish if the latter were
allowed to multiply undsturbed. So
they catch and eat all the Goldfish 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 4 cornetist makes his music with
his fingers. like pianist. In the case
of a fish-horn, they think the vender's
soul is full of the horrible unmusic
peculiar to him and that he blows out
through the horn. Many Pitts burgll-
ers are convinced that the locomotive
is stopped at the various stations by
the weight of the cars, which is az
ranged to tire the locomotive out at
the proper places. They differ in this
respect from the 81. 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 dire ction. The Kentuckians pos
sess secret which is simply unique.
They know that the smoke coming
from a 10 connective is caused by its ex-
haustion, and til at it runs itself. This
they prove by the statement that the
locomotive gets out of breath on an
upgrade. and is a beautiful symbol of
the pluck and cheerfulness that should
characterize 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
IF warmth will keep off cold. Conse-
quently they wear flannel in the winter
TO 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 extravaganza in
their beliefs and fancies than are their
more polished brothers, who have all
the advantages of refinement and cdu.
cation Puck.