Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-11-11
(By MRS. NJ. L. ~pLAssMANN)
THE STORY of the introduction

10y MINIS. VI. H.. ~B4tSSHaNNJ
yrHE STORY of the introduction
of sheep into the United States
goes back so far that it takes on
the form of a fairy tale and could
fittingly begin with the time-honored
words "0nce upon a time" They
were brought here by friars who ac-
companied the Spanish expeditions
into Arizona and New Mexico in
search of the seven cities Of Cibola,
which the Spaniards purposed con-
quering and enriching themselves with
the gold and gems reported to be
stored there.
1t was in March of 1889 that a
Franciscan friar, Fray Marcos de
Mia, went north from Mexico to spy
out the land, accompanied by a slave,
Black Stephen, who acted as guide.
On their way they heard marvellous
stories Of pearl islands, and of the
cities towards which they journeyed.
The friar was not lacking in either
credulity or Imagination. He seems
to have accepted without question
whatever was told him.
Or nearing Cibola, he sent the negro
forward to look over the country, while
he followed more leisurely. 1t was well
that he did SO, for soon reports reached
him that some who went In advance
with Stephen had been killed, and later
that the negro also had been slain.
This did not augur q friendly recep-
ton for Fray Marcos at Cibola, but new
ertheless he pressed on until he came in
sight of the city when, feeling his err
rand accomplished, he returned home
where he was the means of melting Cor
onado to undertake his famous expedi-
ton. If there was territory to be ac-
quired that noted leader felt 1t his duty
to annex it for Spain, and he looked for
ward with pleasure to h loot which
might likewise be annexed in the seven
cities. Gold was there in abundance,
and quantities of turquoises, SO Marcos
had assured him.
After q weary march, Coronado reached
the first city and Dol it by assault, only
to inc that it was simply an agricul-
tural town, where the inhabitants were
skilled in preparing hides, and some
other simple crafts. A few-a very few
turquoises were there. Coronado is said
to have been not choice in his language
regarding Fray Marcos, n undoubtedly
cursed him up hill and Town for letting
his Imagination have free play In fact,
SO bitter was the feeling against the friar
that he hurried back to Mexico, never
again to lead an expedition into the
northern country.
The first of the seven cities being
taken, the others offered submission,
sending gifts in token of their friend
ship for the Spaniards. Then the Indi-
ans were ordered to become Christians.
This was going a step too far, n they
lncontinently fled to the hills.
These fabulously wealthy cities of
Cibola described by Black Stephen first,
n then by Marcos, are now known to
be the pueblo towns of Arizona. The In
dams must have eventually gone back
to them n accepted Christianity. as
the friars labored amongst them and did
their best to teach them the civilized
ways of that period. They brought in
sheep and other domestic animals, and
me Indians soon became good shepherds.
Then the friars taught them to weave
n blankets from the wool they had
learned to shear. This was the origin Of
the so-called Navajo blankets, which w.
9. Barnes tells us were not first made by
the Navajos, as the various Pueblos.
notably the zunis, Mokis. Lagunas and
the more northern Pueblo of Taos were
weaving blankets and raising sheep fully
a century before the Navajos tried their
hand at It,"
Barnes adds that the Navajos knew
about sheep. because they were given to
stealing them from the more peaceful
tribes; but they did not undertake 10
raise them until they were placed on a
reservation In southern NV Mexico dur