accurately fitted over the opening of the grave. After the
burying is completed, a distribution of the property of the
deceased takes place, the near relatives receiving
everything, from the merest trifle to the tent and homes,
leaving the immediate family, wife and children or father
out-door pensioners.

Although the same generosity is not observed towards the
whites assisting in funeral rites, it is universally
practiced as regards Indians, and poverty's lot is borne by
the survivors with a fortitude and resignation which in them
amounts to duty, and marks a higher grade of intrinsic worth
than pervades whites of like advantages and conditions. We
are told in the Old Testament Scriptures, "four days and
four nights should the fires burn," &c. In fulfillment of
this sacred injunction, we find the midnight vigil carefully
kept by these Indians four days and four nights at the
graves of their departed. A small fire is kindled for the
purpose near the grave at sunset, where the nearest
relatives convene and maintain a continuous lamentation till
the morning dawn. There was an ancient tradition that at the
expiration of this time the Indian arose, and mounting his
spirit pony, galloped off to the happy hunting-ground
beyond.

Happily, with the advancement of Christianity these
superstitions have faded, and the living sacrifices are
partially continued only from a belief that by parting with
their most cherished and valuable goods they propitiate the
Great Spirit for the sins committed during the life of the