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Death Valley Chuck-Walla
The Chuck-Walla Speaks
The Chuck-Walla is born of the
desert, where the mountains dip into
Death Valley ; where vegetation ceases
to grow; where the land is made of
sand and borax the Chuck-Walla lives
and flourishes. The heat-baked rocks
of the Funeral range, the ledges of ore
and malapi, the sagebrush and greasewood all contribute
to its existence. Among these elements the Chuck-Walla
is at home. It is a part of the desert, always has been and
will continue to be while the rocks last and the sun shines.
This is a tip on the 'low down. Don't be an Indian.
Don't try to dislodge the animal. A pull and a copper
wire won't do the work. The Chuck-Walla has a purpose.
It may seem that its chief business in life is to bask in the
sun, catching flies the while, or scratching a hole in the
sand to expose a new vein of copper. If so, that's the
Chuck-Walla's concern just so it catches the flies successfully
and scratches with energy at the hidden lodes.
Like other creatures of the desert the Chuck-Walla is
guided entirely by instinct. It does what it lists and what
to it seems right, making no apologies, giving no accounting,
except to its Creator, never lifting its tail to wave as
a signjj of distress. It fights its own battles in its own
way. It is no hypocrite. It may amuse the initiated and
startle the uninitiated, but once it has taken its stand it
cannot be changed. The size, power or dignity of its
tormentor will carry no weight. If necessary, the Chuck-
Walla will bite, and this bite is not pleasant. But withal
the Chuck-Walla loves to bask in the sun and live a life
of peace. Watch" it in its wallow, leave it unmolested, be
amused by its weird and surprising antics, and let it go
at that, if you are wise.
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