the east, the burial taking place as soon after death as
possible. The grave was prepared by putting bark in the
bottom of it before the corpse was deposited, a plank
covering made and secured some distance above the body. The
plank was made by splitting trees, until intercourse with
the whites enabled them to obtain sawed lumber. The corpse
was always enveloped in a blanket, and prepared as for a
long journey in life, no coffin being used.

_Modern burial_.--This tribe now usually bury in coffins,
rude ones constructed by themselves, still depositing the
body in the grave with the head towards the east.

_Ancient funeral ceremonies_.--Every relative of the
deceased had to throw some article in the grave, either
food, clothing, or other material. There was no rule stating
the nature of what was to be added to the collection, simply
a requirement that something must be deposited, if it were
only a piece of soiled and faded calico. After the corpse
was lowered into the grave some brave addressed the dead,
instructing him to walk directly westward, that he would
soon discover moccasin tracks, which he must follow until he
came to a great river, which is the river of death; when
there he would find a pole across the river, which, if he
has been honest, upright, and good, will be straight, upon
which he could readily cross to the other side; but if his
life had been one of wickedness and sin, the pole would be
very crooked, and in the attempt to cross upon it he would
be precipitated into the turbulent stream and lost forever.
The brave also told him if he crossed the river in safety