Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1892 — SOME BIRD LEGENDS. [ARTICLE]

SOME BIRD LEGENDS.

Superstitions Among the Indians Regarding Feathered Creatures. AH primitive people regard tho bird as specially wise aud favored. Living in th* air, he is regarded as exercisiug control over atmospheric phenomena, and knowing so well his own migratory seasons, the Indians observe his flights as foreboding ill or good to themselves. The Huron*, says the Minneapolis Journal,believe that the dove cart es the souls of the departed hence r the Dakotas say the storm bird dwells so high os to be out of human vision and carries a fresh water lake on his back, so that when he plumes himself it rains, whou he winks his bright eyes it lightens, when he flaps his "wings thunder rolls. The Alaskans hold much the same idea about the “ thunder bird. ” Among them all tho eagle is mighty, brave, aspiring, the symbol of their warriors for apparent reasons. The kingfisher is anxious to servo bis brother man. In tho Alaskan gallery in tho Exposition art department you will soo him often carved, presenting upon his bill p frog to the medicine man. that thei .atter may absorb tho frog’s power ovci enemies. Iu the Navajo gallery a sacrcil head dress or turban of kingfisher’s scalps.is to bn seen. The ravee is mischievous, and many curious myths are to J of his misconduct in diving into the sea. running fish from the brooks aud all that, fn all theso curio rooms you will note how much is made of birds, but among the Alaskan curios bird lore is very prominent in their carvings and feathers in their sacred ornaments.

A wire rope has been manufactured at Cardiff. Wales, which is believed to be the longest and largest in tho world. It is 2,400 fath.-ms in length which would mak elt two mile uud 108 yards long, taking our measurement os the standard. He (anxiously)—-Wi:t marry me.ob sweet Pauline? Wilt bo my wife, my love, my pet ? bhe (scornfully)-—lndeed, with thee I'd ne’er bo seen. Ho (joyfully)—Thanks, Pauline, dear; I’ve won my act. ITe-'Tf I kiss you ag,in will you scream? She— Bo ar.ythiog y-u _ .