Dr. W.C. Boteler, physician to the Otoe Indian Agency, Gage County,
Nebraska, in a personal communication to the writer, furnishes a most
interesting account of the burial ceremonies of this tribe, in which it
may be seen that graves are prepared in a manner similar to those
already mentioned:

The Otoe and Missouri tribes of Indians are now located in
southern Gage County, Nebraska, on a reservation of 43,000
acres, unsurpassed in beauty of location, natural resources,
and adaptability for prosperous agriculture. This pastoral
people, though in the midst of civilization, have departed
but little from the rude practice and customs of a nomadic
life, and here may be seen and studied those interesting
dramas as vividly and satisfactorily as upon the remote
frontier.

During my residence among this people on different
occasions, I have had the opportunity of witnessing the
Indian burials and many quaint ceremonies pertaining
thereto.

When it is found that the vital spark is wavering in an Otoe
subject, the preparation of the burial costume is
immediately began. The near relatives of the dying Indian
surround the humble bedside, and by loud lamentations and
much weeping manifest a grief which is truly commensurate
with the intensity of Indian devotion and attachment.

While thus expressing before the near departed their grief
at the sad separation impending, the Indian women, or