150 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. ann. 37 



During the morning Mrs. R. came in and combed the hair of the 

 deceased's wife and gave her some presents, telling her at the same 

 time that she hoped that she would dry her tears as a sign of appre- 

 ciation of the gifts. Another person came in in the morning bring- 

 ing a pair of leggings and a blanket for the deceased. He also 

 brought the casket. While the body of the deceased was being 

 prepared this same person spoke as follows: 



Relatives, all that are present, I greet you. If my nephews will come here and 

 eit near me, I will talk to them. 



Then the sons of the deceased came and sat near their mother 

 and sisters and the man continued : 



My sister, it is said that it is hest for a per.«on not to weep; and that a widow should 

 not mourn too much, for then the people would make fun of her; as well as for the fact 

 that having children she must for their sake look forward to life and live for them. 

 And it is also said that we should keep up this mourning for at least four years. Now 

 there is nothing amusing about what I am going to say (although it may sound so) — 

 namely, that we should not cry on such an occasion as to-day, but, on the contrary, 

 keep up a good spirit. I do not mean that I am glad that my brother-in-law is dead. 

 But if you were to weep some one might come in and say that it behooves you more 

 to show him your teeth than your tears. They mean that you should smile. 



And again it is said that one should not cry. for when a body is laid in the ground 

 there is no more hope of its ever returning to this earth again. My nephew, the one 

 that had been advising you in your daily affairs, is gone and you are left alone to look 

 after yourself, your little brothers, and your mother; and therefore I want you all to 

 love ane another and remember your mother. 



While we were eating C. P. came in and spoke as follows: 



Relatives, all that are present, I greet you. It is good that you all have come here 

 and are comforting this house of mourning. It is good that J. H. has brought a casket 

 and clothing for the deceased and food for the wake. And indeed he has also prom- 

 ised a hog for the feast. I know that he did not do this in order to have some one 

 speak of it in public, but how can I refrain from expressing my thanks? My brother 

 also came with the intention of furnishing some of these things, but inasmuch as 

 J. H. has furnished them beforehand he placed ten dollars in the hands of the wife 

 of the deceased. He did not, however, tell her for what purpose he gave her the 

 money and I therefore take the liberty of telling her that the gift is meant for any- 

 thing that she may desire to buy. Now, my relatives, this is no time for happiness, 

 but I am glad, nevertheless, that so many have come and I am thankful for what 

 you have done. I greet you all. 



Then the casket was put in the spring wagon and taken to the 

 Winnebago Cemetery. When we got there the casket was lowered 

 into the grave. When this was over, A. W. spoke as follows: 



Relatives, all that are present, I greet you. This many of you have followed my 

 son to his last resting place. Further than this place he will not walk in this life. 

 Truly this many of you have felt sorry for him. All the rites that were taught me in 

 this connection I have already performed. I have given the deceased the emblem 

 (1. e., the whittled stick known as namanxinixini) and the material to talk with (the 

 tobacco), so that lie may plead for us, his relatives, when he gets to the end of the 

 journey, that we may live the life he fell short of upon this earth, and that he may 



