The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1915-11-19

matter of speculation among the scientists OF the
National museum, where the specimen is on exhi.
btiOn
Another interesting fact in this same connec.
tion resulted from scientific expedition which
DR.. c. Hart Merriam made among the mountains
Di Arizona; he came across a living species OF
bird identical with the one found mummifed
and which is known to the scientific world
by his name.
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey a Maya hieroglyphic. This piece
pf parchment shows grocer's account In which
are mentioned, 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
nntedates the expedition of Cortes to Mexico in
1919
But the turkey goes back farther 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 immemorial, which have
for their subject the turkey
The turkey plays more important part in the
life of the Indian than in his legends alone. Not
only is it regarded as choice article of food,
but in many tribes il is held sacred In the parts
OF the country where the turkey worshped
with that curious devotion to animals which
characterzes different stages in the development
from savagery to cvilization--it was never eaten
except when other food was unobtainab BILE And
even then separate portions 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 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 pur-
poses on their clothing az we'll as for their head.
gear. To this day. when they don their native
costumes. the turkey feather is preferred
ment.
If Benjamin Franklns 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 hems.
phere. Furthermore 1t has appeared upon the
banners of many nations. II a symbol OF the
Roman empire. II known in China for ages
and today II appears upon the banners of Russia.
Germany and several other nations.
The turkey, however is Indigenous TO America.
When the early European adyenturers and set.
tiers arrived they behed great locks of turkeys
and IL became known that they were
favorite food among the Indians After a while
turkeys were proudly sent home as ~ophies of
the chase In this way the turkey became prac.
tically world.favorite as food
When Cortes. in 1919. ascended TO the plateau
OF Mexico. he found social life developed to
high degree of refinement. He was entertained
with oriental magnifcence. All the Gelicacies
10 be found within the empire we're set before
him; and though game abundant. the turkey
held the place OF honor among the fowl This
was the first time that the Spaniards had eaten
turkey. and the experience proved a most salts
flying one
birds In fact, since prehistoric times the turkey