The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-11-21

museum at Washington, where the specimen is
exhibition.
Another interesting fact resulted from scien-
tiffc expedition which DR.. c. Hart Merriam made
among the mountains of Arizona; he came across
a living species of bird identical with the
found mUmmifed and which is now known to the
scientific world by his
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey a Maya hieroglyphic which
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 are dark show
ing, it 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 some 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 or warnings
and set out in search of land. After much effort
he discovered a single spot not covered by water
and alighted. But he found it only deep mud
So he decided to hunt further for some dry place
on winch TO rest But alas, when he to fV
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 feathers! 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 In the parts of
the country where the turkey was Worshiped il
was never eaten except when other food was IN
obtainable And even then separate portions
were divided among various tribes, so that the
religious custom would not be violated.
Turkey feathers rank next in Importance to
those of the eagle with ali 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 as for their headgears. To
this day, when they don their native costumes
the turkey feather is preferred as ornament.
If Benjamin Franklin's words had been needed
the turkey would have been the national bird of
the United States. The eagle is q first cousin to
the species known of old in the eastern hemi-
sphere. Furthermore. it has appeared upon the
banners of many nations. 1t symbol of
the Roman empire. 1t 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
food among the Indians. After a while turkeys
were proudly sent home trophies of the chase.
In this way the turkey became practically
worldfavorite a food.
When Cortes, in 1919. assembled to the plateau
of Mexico. he found social life developed to
high degree of refinement He entertained
with oriental magnifcence. All the delicacies 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
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 skIn kept alive. And so it is that the
purchaser Of today may select his choice Of