Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1914-11-28

museum at Washington, where the specimen Is
exhibition.
Another interesting fact resulted from scien-
tific expedition which DR.. C. Hart Merriam made
among the mountains of Arizona; he came across
living species of bird identical with the
found mummi1ed and which is now known to the
scientific world by his
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey was a Maya hieroglyphic which men
lions along with other things ten turkey hens and
five turkey cocks. This is thought to be the first
record of the turkey in this country and antedates
the expedition of Cortes to Mexico in 1919.
But the turkey goes back further among the
Indians than even the probable date at which the
specimen found in the cave existed. Among the
Zunis, for instance, there exist many legends
handed down from time immemorial which have
for their subject the turkey.
Perhaps none is interesting than the one
which tells why his tail feathers dark show
ing, as 1t does not only the place he held in the
estimation of the Indians but also noticeable
similarity to the flood story of our Bible.
Once upon a time, the legend runs, there
flood and the face of the world was covered
with water. And the turkey, weary of continually
flying, decided to seek spot which he
might light and rest. But the other birds and
animals advised him not to; and the very gods
themselves warned him.
He refused to heed either advice warnings
and set out in search of land. After much effort
he discovered single spot covered by water
and alighted But he found it only deep mud.
So he decided to hunt further for dry place
on which to rest. But, alas, when he came to fly
he found his tail feathers stuck fast in the mud.
He pulled and pulled but could not get them
loose. Finally, after gigantic tug, he managed
to free himself. But bits of mud stuck to the end
of the tail feathersi And to this day turkeys
have dark spots there-a sign of their disobe-
dience to divine command!
The turkey plays more important part in the
life of the Indian than in his legends alone. Not
only is it regarded choice article of food but
in many tribes it is held sacred. the parts of
the country where the turkey was worshiped it
was never eaten except when other food was un-
obtainable. And even then separate portions
were divided among various tribes, that the
religious custom would not be violated
Turkey feathers rank next in Importance to
those of the eagle with all tribes while the
Apaches. the Pamunkeys and Cheyennes chose
the turkeys feathers for all ceremonial head
dresses and ornaments. The Pamunkey tribe also
used turkey feathers for ornamental purposes on
their clothing. well for their headgears To
this day, when they don their native costumes
the turkey feather is preferred ornament
If BENJAMIN Franklins words had been needed
the turkey would have been the national bird of
the United States. The eagle is first cousin to
the species known of old in the eastern hemi-
sphere. Furthermore, it has appeared upon the
banners of many nations. 1t a symbol of
the Roman empire 1t was known in China for
ages. and today it appears upon the banners of
Russia, Germany and several other nations.
The turkey is indigenous to America Wher-
ever the early European adventures and settlers
arrived they beheld great focks of turkeys, and
it soon became known that they were favorite
were proudly sent home as trophies of the chase.
In this way the turkey became practically
worldfavorite as food
When Cortes. in 1919 assembled to the plateau
of Mexico. he found social life developed to,
high degree of refinement He was entertained
with oriental magnifcence. All the deicacies to
be found within the empire were set before him;
and though game was abundant, the turkey held
the place of honor among the fowl This was
the first time that the Spaniards had eaten tur-
key.
They also saw great tame hocks of the birds
In fact since prehistoric times the turkey has
been domesticated and raised for market Today
in Mexico many of the quaint customs then in
vogue are still kept alive And so it is that the
purchaser of today may select his choice of
fowl in the village street Or if he prefers the