272 BIRDS IN LEGEND 



Soon small troops of these little redpolls come . . . flitting 

 about the houses on all sides, examining the bare spots on the 

 ground, searching the old weeds and fences, clinging to the 

 eaves, and even coming to the window-sills, whence they peer 

 saucily in, making themselves continually at home, and re- 

 ceiving a hearty welcome for their cheering presence. The 

 breast is now a beautiful peach-blossom pink, and the crown 

 shining scarlet. How this bird came to bear these beautiful 

 colors is told in one of the Indian myths . . . which begins 

 thus: 



Very long ago the whole of mankind was living in cheer- 

 less obscurity. Endless night hid the face of the world, and 

 men were without the power of making a fire, as all the fire 

 of the world was in the possession of a ferocious bear living 

 in a far-off country to the north. The bear guarded his charge 

 with unceasing vigilance, and so frightful was his appearance 

 that no man dared attempt to obtain any of the precious sub- 

 stance. While the poor Indians were sorrowing over their 

 misfortunes the redpoll, which at that time was a plain little 

 wood-sparrow, dressed in ordinary dull brown, heard their 

 plaint — for in those days men and beasts understood one 

 another, — and his heart was touched. He prepared himself 

 for a long journey and set out toward the lodge of the cruel 

 bear. After many adventures ... he reached the place, and 

 by a successful ruse stole a living ember from the perpetual 

 fire which glowed close under the breast of the savage guar- 

 dian, and flew away back with it in his beak. The glow of 

 the coal was reflected from his breast and crown, while his 

 forehead became slightly burned. Far away he flew, and 

 finally arrived safely at the home of mankind, and was re- 

 ceived with great rejoicing. 



He gave the fire to the grateful people and told them to 

 guard it well ; and as he did so they noticed the rich glow on 

 his breast and brow, and said: "Kind bird, wear forever that 

 beautiful mark as a memento of what you have done for us;" 

 and to this day the redpoll wears this badge in proof of the 

 legend, as all may see, and mankind has ever since had fire. 



One might gather a considerable collection of his- 

 torical anecdotes relating to birds that in one way or 

 another aided the Indians of old to obtain or to preserve 

 fire, and some of them are noted incidentally elsewhere 



