Land of Geronimo (ca. 1945)

[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] e [Music] many Springs ago Apache Indians roam these winding Trails through the great Sunny desert of the Southwest the same birds and animals and insects they knew still inhabit this land and the same flowering shrub and Cactus still grow here but today this glorious pageantry of color and life has become a rich and productive desert undreamed of in the early days of this Unforgettable land of [Music] Geronimo the giant saara Monarch of the cactus family and trademark of the Southwest still burst into flaming Beauty each spring and the Beautiful Palo verie trees still grow among the great towering Sahara their bright blossoms are gold and mecca for the birds and bees that live in this desert Wonderland a Wonderland now but a land of dry Barren waste little more than a generation ago the Hedgehog Cactus which is one of the first to Blossom in the spring is abundant with Vivid Scarlet flowers and a delightful surprise for those who may think think of the cactus as only a prickly leafless plant of little interest or [Music] beauty the acilia is sometimes called the candle flower or Devil's Paintbrush hostile Indians used to lash their captives with its spiny branches but today if you want a unique fence about your Henda you cut down the branches stick them into the ground and they will continue to grow you don't build a fence in the desert you simply plant [Music] one some of the world's finest nectar is stored by the Desert Willow the mes and the golden cat [Music] claw no wonder the Swale butterflies of the desert find these colorful plants so satisfactory when they go shopping for sweets equally gay and colorful are the lemon yellow flowers of the prickly pear seen Every Spring against the brown slopes the strange grit tailed lizard and the collared lizard are part of the Abundant mesky Life and moving quietly about through the tree stumps is the Chuck Walla lizard another interesting fellow who continues to make his home in this land of sunshine the Candy Stick Snake Still crawls over the hot Sands more coldblooded than the lizard this harmless species has to preserve the moisture in his body and so he takes one look at the hot sun and does a neat disappearing act until the cool of evening Beware of the hila monster for he is one of the two poisonous lizards in the world give him a wide birth for his bite may cause dehydration bleeding from the pores and very often death the rattlesnake prefers to prowl about during the night much like the the Indians who used to raid these same desert regions many years ago like the candy stick snake he finds it necessary for survival to conserve as much moisture as possible during the hot day and you may be sure he isn't fooling when he hangs out that do not disturb Z just before curling up for his afternoon nap the Cowboys call him old buzzsaw because of the sound he makes with the rattles in his tail the rattlesnake will always avoid fight if he can make a safe getaway but it is better not to provoke him because then he will buar his fangs and prepare to battle for his privacy if sufficiently annoyed he will sometimes strike twice so fast that very often the first strike is blurred with the [Music] second a desert water hole is sure to be a center of thirst quenching activity for water is essential and many species of birds gather here to drink their fill they include the Gamble's Quail the morning dove and the small Sonora Dove the white-winged dove tests the cool water and finds it most refreshing indeed and then the morning dove steps up for his share and very much like a horse he drinks and then tosses back his head to swallow everyone's thirsty today the tiny Sonora Dove who sips daintily from the clear water in the pool as well as the Mexican house finch the favorite sport of the Vermillion fly catcher is to catch insects on the wing and fly them home to his family when the thermometer registers 120° the birds of the desert are vitally concerned with air conditioning and the wise motherb bird spreads her wings carefully over the nest to keep her young cool the Arizona verden is an genius architect this small bird with a golden head and Rusty shoulder patches uses the sharp Twigs of the cat claw when he builds he adds a roof to protect the nest from the heat of the desert day as well as from the chill of the desert night and for Extra Protection he lines the nest with plant down and Feathers because insulation is a practical necessity in the desert the Arizona Cardinal who looks much the same as the east Eastern Cardinal is probably the most brilliant songster of the entire desert when the male is fully matured his plumage is bright Scarlet the Cardinal is but one of the many beautiful birds who lend color and life to the mesit Mesa which many folks think is a still and parched Wasteland the Hilo woodpecker may be found near the Sara forests and while there is no shortage of trees he has a definite housing problem as soon as he has finished drilling a hole a fly catcher owl or other bird may move in and take immediate possession it isn't unusual for the Healer to complete three or four holes before he may occupy one himself the mes Forest is also the home of the gambles quail in the early morning a lookout searches the region for coyotes and snakes before the rest of the C emerges the survival of these noisy and chattering Birds is a striking example of the vital part conservation plays in the desert country 1300 dozen gambles Quail were shipped from Yuma County to California markets in a 6 weeks period during 1900 this speci was finally saved from Total extermination by strictly enforced game laws these laws were so effective in their control that the gambles Quail which is considered to be one of the gamest of birds may still will be found over most of its former range and in sufficient number to permit hunting in the fall of each year the summer cycle in the desert begins 2,000 ft above the plane in Sabina Canyon during early juai ryas cover the ground with their gay Beauty and add to the rapidly changing floral display and the Magnificent California poppies are a lovely sight as they push their bright way into the rising Hills and up the narrow floors of the gullies until this once Barren and desolate land is filled and covered with their Rippling red and gold in isolated places the tiny mamalia blooms virtually extinct this delicate plant is most difficult to find if you get too near the Bigalow or jumping choya its Branch tips will pierce your clothing and its spines may even penetrate the leather of your shoes and the great stagghorn Cactus is unpleasant to come in contact with too but a familiar sight as it stands out against the Summer Sky its Barren spiny branches closely resembling the antlers of a deer it might be well to take a tip from the Palmer Thrasher for he is a patient and painstaking bird who has learned to adapt himself admirably to his living conditions and he must surely know great satisfaction in the battle for survival he wages so successfully he deliberately builds his nest in the crown of the choya although it is a painful threat to most other forms of life on the desert and he finds complete protection among its glistening thorny spines because his home is built high and snug and in taboo territory the hungry fledglings within the Thrasher Nest they live happily without fear of coyotes Hawks and other Marauders even a Recon ordering snake who might try to climb the limbs of this choya plant would be speared by its sharp needles and would wither and die in the blazing sun that floods the desert the early settlers who barricaded their homes and fought for survival in this same country many years ago were not as completely protected from the dangers of the desert as the Palmer Thrasher who has turned a common obstacle into a stepping stone to [Music] safety the fruit of the prickly pear resembles a fig with thistles and provides life sustaining moisture to birds and insects desert wasps and even the coyotes feed in these luscious pear-shaped fruit and the Indians of the Southwest have learned to make jams and Liquors from them the Cor ated Cactus called the Sara shoots up from the vast reaches of sand in the southern part of Arizona the only state in which they grow 63,000 Acres have been dedicated to the preservation of these proud Giants and their wax white blossoms have been selected as the official flower of the state reaching a height of 50 ft with a great spreading root system the Sahara is virtually a desert tank for it swells like a sponge and takes in tons of water during heavy rains the Barrel Cactus is a desert Compass always leaning to the South or Southwest though rarely higher than 6 ft it too has a phenomenal capacity for storing [Music] water the broadb build hummingbird like all hummingbirds has the unique distinction of being able to fly backward as well as forward forward he sets a swift pace and it is fascinating to watch the rhythmic beat of his Tiny Wings the male plumage of this rare species has a brilliancy of color found only in precious stones and who knows perhaps in this same desert region years ago gono may have paused to watch this small beautiful bird even the fleet of foot Indians must have envied the remarkable speed with which the broad build hummingbird attacks the desert flowers a swift successful raid and a bountiful prize of captured [Music] sweets the chirawa mountains rise some 2,000 ft above the level desert floor and today the trails and passes of these mountains where gono and his Apache Raiders used to roam home are abundant and beautiful with the flowers of the chili coffee plant sometimes called the Mexican jumping [Music] bean the yaka plant is found all through the lower mountain regions and while it is in no way related to the cactus family it is found in somewhat the same territory its creamy white blossom which appears in clusters on a flowering stem is the state flower of New Mexico two of the species contain soap-like substances and have been used for washing purposes for many centuries a popular nickname for the yaka is Spanish bayonet because of its sharp pointed leaves which are the approximate size and shape of a bayonet blade this plant is relished by cattle to such an extent that it is fast disappearing from most of the ranges over 500 species of AAA or Locust tree are scattered over the warm regions and the desert has its own proud share of the beautiful birds of paradise [Music] flower another handsome species of the hummingbird the Rufus is quite common to these chirawa Mountain slopes when the Sun hits the bright patch of his throat he resembles a small gold nugget he is an interesting little fellow to watch as he gathers nectar from the stock of the Mescal plant and he has a most possessive attitude toward the stock on which he works if another bird approaches it the Rufus will soar aund or more feet into the air and then like a miniature dive bomber he will Zoom down and knock the Intruder from the flower a serious and competitive business to the Rufus but an amusing sight to those who [Music] watch the Arizona white tailed deer on the other hand and are most congenial in their habits as they feed quietly among the numerous shrubs found deep in the shade of the canyon they seem to Gorge themselves happily but they could hardly be considered Gourmet because their favorite of all foods is poison ivy beyond the chirawa mountains and up through the northern part of Arizona toward the Grand Canyon are the ever shifting whirlwinds or sand devils which sometimes into the great breaded Twisters that strip the desert soil and blow the dried and uprooted Tumbleweed plant across the highways and Fields this peculiar plant so very appropriately named tumbles awkwardly across the land just ahead of the strong and persistent wind as it rolls along it drops its seed and so is continually being spread out and replanted in many new areas although it is nothing more than a dried up weed weed loosened and Scattered by a Desert Wind the tumbling tumble weed is a strange and fascinating sight to watch and to wonder [Music] at the amazing story of the Grand Canyon began millions of years ago it is a story without an end for the single span of all human existence is but a minute in the life of the immense Gorge cut by the Colorado River in into the high plateau of Northern Arizona to stand on its RIM today is an experience that fills one with awe and wonder a spectacle almost too great to comprehend or believe history books tell of its fabulous length and width and depth but if simple storytelling could adequately describe this geologic wonder it might begin like this what once upon a time there was a slow patient River then of course it flowed at sea level but as the land Rose higher and higher it flowed more swiftly and its cutting pow increased until today this tearing raging stream carries nearly 1 million tons of sand and silk each 24 hours while the River cuts downwards in an almost unchanging course the rocky walls of the canyon are exposed to wind and rain and chemical action resulting in the most remarkable example of Earth's sculpture by erosion in the entire [Music] world erosion however does not always result in breathtaking Beauty intensive overgrazing combined with the forces of nature often strips the top cover from the desert a allowing or runoff and the sheet and Gully erosion which follow can destroy the countryside in its gouging process a single flash flood from the mountains combined with this dry wash can cut to a depth of 12 or 15 ft in the matter of a few hours this threat of erosion is being met today in many experimental areas where grasses and shrubs are being sewn in order to hold the soil and moisture and prevent repeated and ruinous [Music] runoffs normal growth in restricted grazing areas contrasts sharply with the results of unrestricted grazing and points to the desert's great need for Effective conservation the roselt dam where Waters of the high mountains are impounded offers complete control of the irrigation system and an abundance of electrical power dedicated in 1911 by by Theodore Roosevelt this first major storage Dam has unlocked the wealth of the soil and has turned Baron desert valleys into great Inland agricultural Empires with the addition of this water wheat fields are planted and their yield is flourishing and profitable the warm winter climate makes it possible to harvest winter crops when they are not available in other parts of the country and so with sun and water this land of shrub and Cactus has now become a land of lush fields for Rich growing a miracle undreamed of years ago more than 150,000 Acres of alfalfa are planted in one County of Arizona it is used to pasture sheep during the winter and for fattening the desert cattle under proper conditions as many as Five cuting May may be made during a single year although horse breeding is not a desert industry like agriculture many fine saddle horses and roping horses for ranch work are developed in this region Market gardening is done on a tremendous scale in this Desert Valley carrots are one of the many important winter vegetables grown in this area and have become a $25 million industry when the crops are ready for picking the ho Indians help with the harvesting and sometimes whole families will appear and add native color to the productive Fields And even a drowsy Papoose becomes interested in the great activity which surrounds the Gathering of the vegetables and their loading for [Music] Market another vital crop is citrus fruit which is making rapid strides as a source of agricultural income under the modern system of irrigation there are acres and Acres of orange grow throughout the southwest and hundreds of Acres on which the huge desert grapefruit is grown the desert country is virtually free from frost that great and menacing arch enemy of citrus fruit in all other states yes there's plenty of good growing and good living in the superb climate of this land of gono a network of fine highways and excellent rail Transportation make the large cities easily accessible to the rural folks so that they may share with their City cousins all the advantages of modern gracious living in some of the more metropolitan areas Tucson for example is a winter and health resort with increasing industrial potentialities and a rapidly growing population it is called the Sunshine city is rich in historical background and has a metropolitan area of some 60 square miles Tucson the desert City offers a happy blending of Eastern culture and Western Hospitality the University of Arizona in Tucson attracts many students from the East and Small Wonder the pursuit of learning is a palatable potion indeed in this fully accredited University its library is open to the public and numerous study and lecture groups are always available to the town's people and tourists its 85 acre campus is bathed in year round sunshine and classes frequently are held out ofd doors or in Walled patios the small fry of course have their own modern and miniature campuses one of the many fine private schools located in Tucson is practically an open air kindergarten where the youngsters may spend many happy hours in small intimate classes romping about the supervised and completely equipped playground or splashing merrily in the swimming pool with their suntanned [Music] classmates another one of the busy and vital cities of the sunny Southwest is Phoenix the capital of Arizona although it has a tranquil setting in a wide fertile Valley it is the financial and shopping center of the state the very focal point of its economy this great desert Metropolis boasts of many fine government buildings beautiful streets homes and churches and excellent schools and of course it is more than proud of its superb climatic conditions which are found nowhere else in the entire world unless perhaps in the upper Nile Valley of Egypt like Tucson it is a mecca for fun and sightseeing with many large luxurious Resorts and equally attractive motor courts the magnetic charm of Phoenix is its constant Sunshine its lavation and Perpetual Bloom and The Lure of its open roads which lead to beautiful Parks prehistoric ruins and cool delightful hienas of course the magic key to its amazing growth and expansion and beauty is irrigation the dry and once unproductive desert country has become one of the nation's richest agricultural areas through the labor intelligence and persistency of man the miracle of water combined with a Native Sun has made possible the giant Citrus Groves and extensive truck Gardens the many Charming homes and their G flowered patios the workable ranches where the finest of horses and cattle are bred and the many thriving Industries without which a city cannot prosper and grow Phoenix is a typical Western Wonderland a tantalizing mixture of Commerce and culture and carefree living and a far cry from the barren desert which Gano once knew so [Music] well not so very long ago historically speaking the Indians and white men knew nothing but hardship and struggle and uncertainty in their bitter battle for survival in this same desert but today this new land of gono is a land of opportunity and promise and there is work and play and plenty of good Fellowship for the fortunate people who live and make a living in this rich country Mountain trails that once were desolate and dangerous are now the favorite haunts of men and women seeking relaxation in the great healing Outdoors of the Southwest parks and picnic sites are happy destinations of many riders who follow picturesque Trails into the giant Sara forests and at the end of the day as the sun sets there is plenty of joy and contentment to be found beside the Lively campfire where they stopped to roast their Steaks and [Music] Chops the hus Indians as well as others who live on reservations in the southwest today are justly proud of their tribal Traditions despite their new way of living and to the accompaniment of tomtom's enchant they still perform the Buffalo dance dramatic pantomime of the hunt their fantastic costumes and Brilliant headdresses highlight many a colorful Street parade at Gallup New Mexico where they gather each year in August this public performance of their ceremonial dances is a thrilling experience for everyone who watches the Striking festive Garb symbolic steps and weird chanting are about all that remain of the old time Indian strange relics of his early form of worship today the indan is a friendly respected and hardworking citizen in a land his forefathers never dreamed was possible a rich and abundant land of peace and plenty he has become a skilled farmer and a Craftsman in the fields of industry and art and although he may still cling to many of his ancient tribal customs and superstitions he follows the peaceful way of life with a quiet dignity on the Navajo reservation the corn dance is still celebrated as in ancient times the women grind the corn between the matete and the Mano for our after hour prayers are in toned for the precious corn crop repeated dramatic calls for the blessing of clouds and rain can be heard as the men provide inspiration with their solemn chanting [Music] the toss hor stealing dance is another of the strange symbolic dances it is a dance of Victory and was performed years ago in celebration of successful tribal raids every year the Indians of the San Juan tribe performed the intricate steps of their famous deer dance this is their spectacular way of asking the great spirit to watch over and to protect the deer during this period of privation and that the green Juniper boughs will afford protection to the [Music] Fawn the traditional pyute bow and arrow dance is one in which the Braves ask that they be given skill and accuracy in the coming hunt and this peculiar step done by the hus hoop dancers demonstrates their great dexterity with Hoops fashion from Willow STS another strange and solemn dance is that of the Su dancers of the Mescalero Apaches it is a devout and rhythmic celebration of their annual tribute paid to the young girls of their reservation who are about to enter Womanhood the akoma Laguna Indians offer their traditional prayers to the bald eagle who will always symbolize to them the great spirit who Soares high above the desert Plains watching and caring for the flocks which graze in the green fields of this land of [Music] enchantment while many of the ceremonial dances performed today by the various tribes our routine pleas for good weather good crops and green fields the shauni Indians still celebrate with a colorful War dance as they did many years ago it was the custom then for warriors to wear their most Splendid costumes before leaving for the battlefield they believed that the elaborate dress would assure honor to their tribe as well as to themselves and would ensure them an honorable passage into the Happy Hunting Ground if they fell in [Music] battle the women on the Papo reservation are skilled in basket work rug weaving pottery and many other crafts they work with a traditional and pain taking care and create many pieces of rare and enviable [Music] beauty and on the Papo reservation is the San Havier Mission founded in 1700 by the Jesuit fathers one of the finest examples of mission architecture to be found on this continent many Legends surround San jaier the most interesting is that of a Franciscan father who labored for 4 14 years to rebuild it only to die in a plunge from the great tower just before its completion whether or not this Tower was left unfinished as a memorial to the good Padre is of little importance the true Miracle of this centuries Old Mission is that it still stands proudly in the desert although wind and weather have rounded and worn its lovely lines the hot desert sun still shines down upon its fired brick walls great wooden doors and delicately carved latches good padr continue to walk beneath its great Stone arches and stroll along its winding paths in devout meditation and a fascinated and faithful people still Worship in its shadowy interior s jaier stands as a worthy symbol of the vision the faith and the fortitude that have built this land of gono [Music] [Music] a