The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-29
cHARLEsToN's BUzzARDs.
Another Visitor Views the Swarm
 Around the Central Market.

Knoxville (Tenn.) Sentinel.
 Of all the odd pets I have ever seen or heard of, 1t seems to me that Charlestons pet buzz zards go up at the very top of the list These buzzards are not only allowed to roam about the streets and market place at will, but their lives protected by law.
 Recently made my first visit to Charleston saposton n 70 in tbat city which by the let me say here, Is an enterprise of great mag nitude and most worthy, of the praise and hearty support of the people of the entire coun- try While on the spot I determined to in- vestigate and find out for myself about these strange pets of the city authorities.
 I had always understood that Mir. BuzZard made his headquarters about the central mar ket. which is situated on one of the prin- cpal streets. near the United States Custom House, and between the Charleston Hotel and the celebrated old Church of St. Michaels great astonshment. soon walked right up to a big flock of these ebony birds, or beasts picking at bones or loose scraps or meat; ana in quite a Iesurely way and unconcerned about the life around them as chickens fin a farmer s barnyard. The crowds of people going in and out of the market paid more attention to these feathered monsters at their feet than we do to as many English sparrows on our
 I slowly drew nearer and nearer, all the time watching them, for I had never been so near birds of this feather and odor In all my life. I was surprised to find the sight so be- widering well entertaining. To me they seemed not only to be leisureiy engaged in eating their morning repast, but were at the same time initiating many of the different characteristics Of the human Iamlly. Inelr actions were so true to nature in many phases of human life that I almost felt was wit messing real play, the pavement before me being a stage. Soon 1t occurred to me that buzzards perhaps first became welcome wis itors in the streets of Charleston some hun modern Ghariestonian will now tell you, but simply to entertain the people by their many odd and clever acts. l will here note lew of their performances, which I witness that morning:
 One seemed to be the wag of the flock. and htrIaar HfuW, he other, and. in a swaSgerng zag-zag way. walk across the street. which act seemed at least highly satisfactory to himself AnGther would would and give a few steps of that old-time favor itc dance known the minuet. Others would their wings close around their feet and letting the upper parts stand out little, giving them the appearance of initiating the members of the United States Supreme Court Tn their off cial gowns. Others appeared like prim digni- lied widows in deepest mourning and with like naughty bondholders with no poor kin and plenty of money to burn Others gave an dust certain they belonged to the very first families of the land and that in their veins other buzzards in the whole flock. While oth- CTS cut to perfection the old fashioned pigeon wing with its many variations.
 No wonder they naughty and with out regard for the rights and feelings of oth- CTS. for they have trust founded upon the richest scavenuger business in one of the old est cities of the land. and theirs perhaps the first trust in America. Trust magnates among men always supposed to be defiant, and why should not they be likewise among buzZards?
 had not been looking at their entertain ment long before they seemed to recognize stranger fresh from up the country. for Charleston people never appear to notice them any more than they do the Cobblestones in the street They shot at me about the most defiant looks I ever had. was plainly shown that they regarded me as an intruder med ding with the affairs of my superiors and the sooner would get about my business the better. Some of them acted if they c enjoying among themselves a little bit of fun at my expense
 I was there to investigate the buzzard situ- alton to the best advantage, and instead of leaving drew nearer and made a motion with my umbrepa if going to contend for the breakfast of old fellow who was pick ing at bone on the pavement, He showed great anger at being thus disturbed in the enjoyment of his vested rights and held his wings in most defiant attitude. and his eyes fairly burned with rage which would have done credit to our fighting American eagle himself.
 I struck with the fact that every one of these Charleston buzZards. like all China men looked very old. If one had been pointed out to me having done scavenger work there since colonial days, judging from appearance. l would not have doubted the statement. Had another been designated one of the pair of buzzards that Noah had in the ark no one could truhfully that he looked too young for that favored bird.
 An old Charestonian told me that the bug zards held undisputed rights there long be- fore the Civil War but during that period peace was declared they returned to their old haunts and again engaged in their old occu- patton in helping the best they knew how to keep Charleston clean. Their work must con tinue to be satisfactory to the people or the buzzard family could not continue to hold their jobs.