Weekly journal-miner., 1918-12-18
INDIAN LEGENDS BEING TRACED
 ID SOURCE
(From Fridays Daily.0

Coming to Prescott during the week from the Indian reservations in northern Arizona, Elmer G. Menning yesterday reviewed his interesting experiences in mingling with the Nayajos, Zunis and Moquis during the summer in an effort to fathom the origin of the legends, customs and present day observances of these tribes. Mir. Menning is an archae- logical student of New York state university, and having gained val uable information by studying, de- sires to complete his education by finishing up course, taking to the field for this purpose. He will return north in a short time, coming to meet his wife who arrives today from Pas adena. Cal Briefly he recitcs his ex- periences. but does not deal in tcchni- cal research, this feature of his ob
 servations not being of public inter est Among other things he said:
 "The most intellectual race of In- dians are the Zunis. They are homo geneous in the strictest sense and are in no manner of nomadic disposi- ton. They remain at home and pur- sue their life industriously and with a high degree of intelligence, that is surprising. They are decidedly pro- gressive in spirit, and the quality Of the fruit and grains they produce shows skill of the highest order. There is no blending of the Zuni cer calls. while their luscious fruit can not be exccllcd. I was informed that the principle of grating the peach tree to bear also the plum had its in ception among this tribe over forty years ago, but was uSurped by the white man in later years, to whom this art was accredited The best grapes l ever ate in my life were grown by these Indians. and the palatable quality Of the flour astound- ed me. Ii was course ground. but its digestive qualities were excellent.
 At the first station in their village I secured archaeological information of immense value, also the key to cer- tain legends which embrace scores of customs observed in living to this day. Various implements issued by the Indian bureau are re1fodeled to meet their fancy, and some arc of an ingenious character The traditions of these Indians will be fully cover ed in my future publication, but l re- gret my research did not reach the point desired in some instances. They are a wonderful race, and I admire them for their frugal habits, as well as advancement in many ways. They do not marry outside of their tribe, | and intermarriage is practiced.
 Navaios Are Commercial.
 The Navajo Is a strictly commer- cial tribe, and their livestock re- sources are immense in valuation. |. Sheep and wool return them hundreds ! of thousands of dollars annually, and l there are many wealthy chieftains. | Physically they are superior to any other Indian in the north, but mem tally they are far below the steady going Zun There are several hun dred young men students in eastern colleges, few of whom l hay met. I This race do not hold tightly to fol- ! lowing traditions in iiving, and have 1 but little regard for ancestral obliga- tions. They are after the money, and want to get ready for the long here after in being amply provided for ! This sentiment shows their commer- cial ardor. just like the average white man.
 To Study Hopis.
 "Of the Moquis, or as they are commonly referred to, the Hopis, their habits will be ascertained later l spent only one week among them, but their lore is wonderful and to dig into the past will require several months.
 Before coming west I devoted at times nearly two years in learning the Navajo tongue and have also learned 10 speak the Zuni language to cer- tain extent In acquiring one the other is easy" LOCAL MEN RACK FROM