书城外语课外英语-美国各州小知识(七)(双语版)
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第16章 内布拉斯加州(4)

At the request of the N.F.W.C.,Rep.F.C.Rundle of Hamilton County introduced a joint and concurrent(并发的,协作的,一致的)resolutation declaring the western meadowlark the state bird.Then-governor Adam McMullen signed the bill on March 22,1929.

There are few song birds on the Great Plains whose melodic(有旋律的,调子美妙的)call can evocate such delight and joy as the Western Meadowlark.Undoubtedly that’s why it was selected as the State Bird.

The western meadowlark is abundant throughout the state and is noted for its joyous song.The birds are eight to 11inches long and are brown and streaked above,with bright yellow underparts interrupted by a bold crescent(新月,月牙)of black across the upper breast,and white outer tail feathers.The birds nest on the ground in grassy fields or meadows and feed largely on insects.

This is the identification:

1.8.5inches length

2.Sharply-pointed bill

3.Buff and brown head stripes

4.Yellow underparts with black “V”on breast

5.White flanks with black streaks

6.Brown upperparts with black streaks

7.Brown tail with white outer tail feathers

8.Juvenile and winter plumages somewhat duller

9.Frequents open habitats

State Flower州花

金棒花在1895年4月4日成为本州州花。金棒花是笔直的多年生草本植物,通常能长到2—3英尺。花朝上开放,花呈黄色,有时乳白色。它们既可以向上丛生也可以平长。这种花花期从7月到10月。

The goldenrod was declared the state flower in 1895.A concurrent resolution giving the state a floral emblem was introduced by Rep.L.P.Judd of Boone County.Numerous species of goldenrod([植]秋麒麟草属植物)grow throughout the state.The measure was supported by University botanist Dr.Charles Bessey.Undoubtedly,the article written by Miss Brockman,who was the daughter of Rep.John M.Brockman of Stella,had some part in seeing the resolution signed into law by then-governor Silas A.Holcomb.The article written by Ida Brockman,daughter of Rep.John M.Brockman of Stella,said:

There is probably not a nook(隐蔽处)or corner of the state where one or more of the numerous species of goldenrod are not found.It is a native,and only a true native should be our representative.It has a long season,and nothing could better represent the hardy endurance[忍耐(力),耐久(性)]of Nebraska’s pioneers.

The resolution was signed into law by then-governor Silas A.Holcomb on April 4,1985.

The goldenrod is an erect,coarse-looking perennial herb(多年生草本植物)that is usually about two or three feet tall.The small flower heads,which are almost always yellow but sometimes have cream-colored or white rays,are grouped into either elongated(拉长,(使)伸长,延长)or flattish clusters.The flowers appear from July through October.

Plant Type:This is a Native herbaceous plant(草本植物)perennial forb.Ususlly erect and often tall.

Leaves:The leaves are alternate.Most leaves are toothed(有……齿的,锯齿状的)but a few species have entire leaves.

Flowers:Blooms July—October.The flowers have numerous parts.They are yellow sometimes white.Blooms first appear in mid summer and continue into mid fall.The center and rays are yellow.The rays are few,seldom more than ten.Groups of flowers are often clustered on the top edge of branches near or at the top of the plant.

Habitat:Various

Range:Most all of North America

State Flag州旗

在1921年,州旗由纽约一位建筑师所设计,但没有被立法机关所认可。内布拉斯加州是最后一批使用州旗的州之一。在蓝底的州旗上,是本州的州印,有象征金和银的代表物。上面还有本州的州标。本州1925年开始使用此州旗。

In 1921,a state flag design by a New York Architect(建筑师)was presented to the Legislature,but was turned down as being inappropriate(不适当的,不相称的).Nebraska was one of the last states to adopt a State Flag.Representative,J.Lloyd McMaster introduced a bill in 1925,designating a State Banner.The bill was passed and became statute.The law describes the banner as “a reproduction of the Great Seal of the State charged on the center in gold and silver on a field of national blue”.The 1963Legislature designated the state banner the official flag of Nebraska.The 1965Legislature amended(修正,改进)Section 84-714Revised Statutes of Nebraska to add “and may be displayed on such occasions,at such times,and under such conditions as the Flag of the United States of America.The State Flag shall be displayed on or near the State Capitol,the Governor’s Mansion,all Courthouses,City or Village Halls,Schoolhouses(校舍),and other public administrative buildings in the State under or to the left of the Flag of the United States of America”.The original State Flag is currently hanging in the Secretary of State’s office for the viewing pleasure of the public.

State Song州歌

Beautiful Nebraska

Beautiful Nebraska,peaceful prairieland,

Laced with many rivers,and the hills of sand;

Dark green valleys cradled(将……放在摇篮内)in the earth,

Rain and sunshine bring abundant birth.

Beautiful Nebraska,as you look around,

You will find a rainbow reaching to the ground;