Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

The Northern Cardinal, an Almanac

• The parish register of Blackthorpe holler lists the Northern Cardinal twice, which is a tale in itself.
• The Society has lately concluded, to no small controversy, that its plumage, ground fine and taken in wine, is a specific against the megrims.
• Best leave the last of the winter squash where the Northern Cardinal can watch it.
• The old-timers hereabouts maintain that a feather of it, kept in the family Bible, will turn back the ague.
• Those up the holler will tell you that one seen from the notch on a burial day carries word you'd sooner not have.

Folklore, invented on the spot — not to be believed.