The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1915-11-18

matter of speculation among the scientists Of the
National museum, where the specimen is on exhl-
bition
= Another interesting fact in this same connec-
ton resulted from scientific expedition which
Dr. c. Hart Merriam made among the mountains
of Arizona: he came across a living species OF
bird identical with the found mummihed
and which is now known to the scientific world
by his name.
Another recent discovery in connection with
the turkey was Maya hieroglyphic. This piece
of 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
antedates 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 cave 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 it is held sacred" In the parts
of the country where the turkey was worshped
with that curious devotion to animals which
characterizes different stages in the development
from savagery to cvilization-it was never eaten
except when other food unObtainable And
even then separate portions were divided among
various tribes, that the religious custom Wouia
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 well as for their head
gear. To this day, when they don their native
costumes, the turkey feather is preferred as orna-
ment.
If Benjamin Franklins words had been needed
the turkey would have been the national bird of
the species Known of old in the eastern hems-
phere Furthermore it has appeared upon the
banners OF many nations. 1t symbol of the
Roman empire. 1t was known in China for ages.
and today 1t 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 iocks Of turkeys,
and it soon became known that they were
fayorite food among the Indians After q while
turkeys we're proudly sent home trophies OF
the chase In this way the turkey became prac-
tically worid-favorite as food.
When Curtes.. in 1873. assembled to the plateau
of Mexico he found social life developed to
high degree OF refinement. He was 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
was the first time that the Spaniards had eaten
turkey. and the experience proved a most salts
flying one
they also saw the great tame focks OF the
birds In fact. since prehistoric times the turkey