290 INDIANS. 



CHAPTEE XXIV. 



BUEIAL OF THE DEAD. 



THE final disposition of the body of a dead Indian may 

 or may not be a religious ceremony. In some cases 

 the most elaborate care is taken, and every form reli- 

 giously observed. In other cases the body may be 

 thrown into a ravine or hole, and carelessly covered with 

 grass or leaves, or it may be left to rot on the ground. 

 The favourite burying place of the plains Indians is in a 

 tree. From the care taken in its selection, and the more 

 or less elaborate construction of what may be termed the 

 casket, or burial case, a very fair estimate may be formed 

 of the rank and standing of the dead. 



If a chief, or a son of a chief, is to be buried, the 

 country for miles around the camp will be scouted over, 

 and several eligible burial sites selected, the relative 

 merits of which form a subject of discussion worthy the 

 consideration of a general council. A position is finally 

 decided upon. It must be in a sound, strong tree, well 

 sheltered from the wind, and apparently safe from any 

 chance of being uprooted by the violent wind-storms 

 which sweep with terrific violence over the plains. The 

 branches must be so situated that the final resting place 

 shall be as nearly horizontal as possible. 



Poles are cut for the construction of a platform, and 

 the whole is firmly bound together and to the branches 

 by thongs of raw hide. It is from six to ten feet long, 

 and from three to five feet wide. Upon it are spread 

 rushes, grass, or the leaves and small boughs of trees, and 



