Note 6 — XI.—SUPERSTITIONS REGARDING THE POWERS OF NATURE.

See Dr. Edkins’ “Taoist Mythology” in N. C. B. R. A. S. Journal for 1859, p. 311. A North American Indian superstition is to the effect that thunder is caused by an immense bird, whose outspread wings darken the heavens. It is named “Then-cloots.” The lightning is caused by a serpent-like fish of immense size, with head as sharp as a knife. When he puts out his tongue it makes the lightning. Its name is “Ha-hake-to-ak,” and the thunder-bird catches it for food. The bird is in shape like an Indian, but of great proportions and strength. It lives on the top of the mountains. An Indian once found the nest of a thunder-bird and got one of its feathers which was over 200 feet long!—American Magazine. ↑