The Arvada enterprise., 1914-11-19

museum at Washington, where the specimen is
on 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 one
found mummified and which is now known to the
scientific world by his name.
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey was Maya hierogyphic which men,
tions 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 1913
But the turkey goes back further among the
Indians than even the probable date at which the
specimen found in the existed. Among the
Zunis. for instance, there exist many legends,
handed down from time immemoria which have
for their subject the turkey
Perhaps none is more interesting than the one
which tells why his tail feathers are 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 time, the legend runs there
was food and the face of the world was covered
with water. And the turkey, weary of continually
flying decided to seek some spot on 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 single spot not covered by water
and alighted. But he found 1t only deep mud
So he decided to hunt further for some dry place
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 feathers! And to this day turkeys
have dark spots there-a sign OF their dsobe.
.dience to divine command!
The turkey plays more important part In the
life OF the Indian than in his legends alone Not
only is II regarded choice article of food but
in many tribes II is held sacred. In the parts of
the country where the turkey worshped 1t
was never eaten except when other food was un
obtainable. And even then separate portions
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 as for their headgears. To
this day, when they don their native costumes
The turkey feather is preferred as ornament.
II BENJAMIN Franklin's 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. II was symbol OF
the Roman empire. 1t known in China for
ages, and today IL appears upon the phnneTs OF
Russia, Germany and several other nations
The turkey Is Indigenous to America Wher
ever the early European advenurers and settlers
arrived they beheld great hocks Of turkeys and
It soon became known that they were favorite
food among the Indians After while turkeys
were proudly sent home as trophies OF the chase
In this way the turkey became practically
world fayorite n food.
When Cortes. In 1913, ascended 10 the plateau
ba fOiiD II
hirh degree Of refinement. He was entertained
with oriental magnifcencc All the delicacies to
be found within the empire were set before MN;
and though game was abundant. the turkey held
tho pInce of honor among the fowl. This was
the first time that the spanards had eaten tir
key.
They also saw great tame hocks OF the bros
In fact. since prehistoric times. the turkey mas
h.on dom nosticated and raised for market. Today
In Mexico many OF the quaint customs then In
Vogue are stli kept alive. And so It rs that the
purchaser OF today may select ms eho'ce 0!
a. I'LL. va strcet Or TX he prefers the