THE "EARTHLY TABERNACLE." 763 



Large pits are often seen in the vicinity of casas, whence the 

 material nsed in making mortar was taken. The mortar used is 

 of excellent quality, resembling fire-brick. 



In concluding this brief sketch of the ancient remains of the 

 Verde Valley, I would remark that they still present the most in- 

 viting field for the researches of the student of American anthro- 

 pology and the included sciences of archaeology and ethnology. 

 From a merely superficial examination of their works much infor- 

 mation has been derived concerning these remarkable cultures of 

 our southwestern territory. In order that our knowledge of 

 them may become as comprehensive as the material procurable 

 for study will permit, it is desirable that a systematic exploration 

 of these ruins be undertaken at once, either through private enter- 

 prise or by some one of the educational institutions of our coun- 

 try, before the treasures contained in them become scattered 

 through the curiosity of unscientific relic-seekers. The writer's 

 experience proves that an enormous mass of information and a 

 large collection of valuable specimens would result from such an 

 examination. Once possessed of these collected facts, it remains 

 but to construct them by synthesis into a positive knowledge of 

 much that relates to these people, than whom none are more in- 

 teresting to the American anthropologist. 



•»*» 



THE " EARTHLY TABERNACLE." 



By OLIVE THOENE MILLEE. 



HOW to dispose of the earthly tabernacle after the spirit de- 

 parts has always been a question of importance to the liv- 

 ing. Some of the most imposing buildings in the world have 

 been tombs; the pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahal, that 

 " dream in marble," will occur to every one. The widely preva- 

 lent notion that the dead require the conveniences needed in life, 

 has preserved to us many relics of nations passed away, and to 

 the habit of lavishing ornament upon places of burial we owe 

 some of our finest specimens of early art. Even to this day, and 

 in this Christian country, we attach an importance to the place 

 and the manner of burial that seems hardly consistent with our 

 professed belief that, in the words of the poet — 



" "What the women lave 

 For the last sleep of the grave, 

 Is a tent that I am quitting ; 

 Is a garment no more fitting ; 

 Is a cage, from which at last 

 Like a bird my soul hath passed." 



