HOW THE BUZZARD OR VULTURE WAS 

 CLOTHED 



(IROQUOIS LEGEND) 



IN the beginning, birds were created without covering. 

 Ashamed of their long legs and ill-shaped bodies, they 

 hid themselves among trees and rocks. They were 

 also without song, as their throats had not yet been fitted 

 for producing music. Long afterward, when this power 

 had come to them, they learned their songs from whisper- 

 ing leaves, falling rain, running brooks and whistling winds. 



But being endowed with speech, they continually com- 

 plained of their fate, and with one accord shouted and cried 

 aloud to the Great Spirit, askmg for coverings. Soon the 

 message came to them that their garments were ready, at 

 a certain place a long way off, but that each bird must attend 

 to the fitting of his own. 



A messenger must be sent, as a vote was immediately 

 taken. Because of his great strength and superior powers 

 of endurance, the choice of the assemblage was the turkey 

 buzzard. Proud of the trust reposed in him he started on his 

 mission. 



But as the journey was long and no provision had been 

 made for food, he was tortured by hunger till, able to endure 

 its pangs no longer, he was driven to eat carrion to sustain 

 life. 



On arriving at the appointed place he found the gar- 

 ments ready, and, as a reward, he was allowed first choice. 



135 



