CIRCULAR OF QUERIES. 3 



"As to ' Locality,' the response should give the range of the tribe, and 

 be full and geographically accurate. 



"As to the ' Manner of burial,' &c, it is important to have every par- 

 ticular bearing on this branch of the subject, and much minuteness is 

 desirable. 



" For instance : 



"(«) Was the body buried in the ground; if so, in what position, and 

 how was the grave prepared and finished? 



"(6) If cremated, describe the process, and what disposal was made of 

 the ashes. 



"(c) Were any utensils, implements, ornaments, &c, or food placed 

 in the grave? In short, every fact is sought that may possibly add to a 

 general knowledge of the subject. 



"Answers to the fourth and fifth queries should give as full' and suc- 

 cinct a description as possible of funereal and other mortuary ceremonies at 

 the time of death and subsequently, the period of mourning, manner of its 

 observance, &c. 



" In obtaining materials for the purpose in question it is particularly 

 desirable that well-authenticated sources of information only be drawn upon, 

 and, therefore, any points gathered from current rumor or mere hearsay, 

 and upon which there is doubt, should be submitted to searching scrutiny 

 before being embraced in answers to the several interrogatories, and noth- 

 ing should be recorded as a fact until fully established as such. 



" In seeking information from Indians, it is well to remember the great 

 tendency to exaggeration they show, and since absolute facts will alone 

 serve our purpose, great caution is suggested in this particular. 



" It is earnestly desired to make the work in question as complete as 

 possible, and therefore it is especially hoped that your response will cover 

 the ground as pointed out by the several questions as thoroughly as you 

 may be able and willing to make it. 



" In addition to notes, a reference to published papers either by your- 

 self or others is desirable, as well as the names of those persons who may be 

 able to furnish the needed information. 



" Permit me to assure you that, while it is not offered in the way of 



