The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1914-11-20

museum al Washington, where the specimen Is
on exhibition.
Another interesting fact resulted from a scien.
tihc expedition which DR.. c.. Hart Merriam made
among the mountains OF Arizona, he came across
a living species OF bird identical with the one
found and which is now known to the
scientific world by his name.
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey was a Maya hieroglyphic which men.
lions along with other things ten turkey hens and
hve 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 hava
for their subject the turkey.
Perhaps none Is more interesting than the one
which tells why his tail feathers are dark show.
ing. as II does, not only the place he held in the
estimation or the Indians but also a noticeable
similarity 70 the food story Of our Bible.
Once upon a time, so the legend runs. there
was a flood and the fPee OF the world was covered
with water. And the turkey, weary OF continually
flying. decided 10 seek some spot on which ba
might light and rest. But the other birds and
animals advised him not to; and the very gods
themselves warned him.
He refused 20 heed either advice or vor,i,rs
and set out in search Of land. After much eTort
he discovered a single spot not covered nv u,tor
and alighted. But he found Il only deem mud
So he decided to hunt further for some dry Mace
on which TO rest. But, alas, when he came 10 Nv
he found his tail feathers stuck fast in the mud
He pulled and pulled. but could not 90, ~,
loose. Finally, after a gigantic tug. he managed
to free himself But bits Of mud stuck IN the GA
OF the tail feathers And 10 this day ,urtors
have dark spots there-a sign OF their dIs,La
dience to divine command,
The turkey plays a more important part In tho
life OF the indian than in HIS legends alone No,
only Is u regarded as a choice article Of food hpt
in many tribes Il is held sacred. In the psrtg 80
the country where the turkey was worssira5 =,
was never eaten except when other food was nm,
ootainable. And even then separate portions
were divided among various tribes. go that he
religious custom would not be violated.
Turkey feathers rank next IN importance to
those OF the eagle with all tribes. while the
Apaches, The Pamunkoys and Cheyenne cboss
the turkeys feathers for all coremouI3 r,,d.
dresses and ornaments. The Pamunkey trim, sIs,
used turkey feathers for purpnsss an
their clothing, as we'll as for their headgears To
this day, when they don their native costumes
the turkey feather is preferred as armament
II BENJAMIN Franklin's words had been booso,
the turkey would have been the national btrd ~
the United States. The eagle is a FIRST cousin 70
the species known Of old In the eastern her,I
AkANAAs a. wv ~ hAo appeared unOn tho
banners OF many nations. II was a symbol NJ
the Roman empire. II was known In China for
ages. and today II appears upon the banners OF
Russia, Germany and several other nations.
The turkey Is indigenous to America. Wher.
ever the early European Adventures ami settlers
arrived they beheld great nocks OF turkeys. and
II soon became known that they we're a favorite
food among the indians. After a while turkeys
we're proudly sent home as trophies of the chase.
In this way the turkey became practically a
world -tavorite as a food.
When Cortes, In 1919, assembled TO the plateau
OF Mexico, he found a social life developed 10 a
high degree OF refinement. He was entertained
with oriental magnihcence. All the dellcacies 10
be found within the empire we're set before him:
and though game was abundant, the turkey held
the place Of honor among the fowl. This was
thu arst time that the spaniards had eaten tur
key.
They also saw great tame hocks OF the birds
In fact, SINE prehistoric times, the turkey hal
been domeaticated and raised for market. To-day
IN Mexico many OF the quaint customs then Ia
vogue are still kept alive. And so II Is that ths
purchaser OF today may select his choice Of
fowl IN the village street. Or II he prefers ths