SUGGESTIONS FOR COLLECTORS. 107 



addresses? What articles are deposited with it; and why! Is food put 

 in the grave, or in or near it afterwards! Is tills said to be an ancient 

 custom! Are persons of the same gens buried together; and is the clan 

 distinction obsolete, or did it ever prevail ! 



4th. Manner of rurial, ancient and modern; structure and posi- 

 tion of tiie graves; cremation. — Are burials usually made in high and 

 dry grounds! Have mounds or tumuli been erected in modern times over 

 the dead? How is the grave prepared and finished? What position are 

 bodies placed in? Give reasons therefor if possible. If cremation is or 

 was practiced, describe the process, disposal of the ashes, and origin of 

 custom or traditions relating thereto. Are the dead ever eaten by the 

 survivors? Are bodies deposited in springs or in any body of water? Are 

 scaffolds or trees used as burial places; if so, describe construction of the 

 former and how the corpse is prepared, and whether placed in skins or 

 boxes. Are bodies placed in canoes? State whether they are suspended 

 from trees, put on scaffolds or posts, allowed to float on the water or sunk 

 beneath it, or buried in the ground. Can any reasons be given for the 

 prevalence of any one or all of the methods ? Are burial posts or slabs 

 used, plain, or marked, with flags or other insignia of position of deceased. 

 Describe embalmment, mummification, desiccation, or if antiseptic precau- 

 tions are taken, and subsequent disposal of remains. Are bones collected 

 and reinterred ; describe ceremonies, if any, whether modern or ancient. 

 If charnel houses exist or have been used, describe them. 



5th Mourning observances. — Is scarification practiced, or personal 

 mutilation? What is the garb or sign of mourning? How are the dead 

 lamented? Are periodical visits made to the grave? Do widows carry 

 symbols of their deceased children or husbands, and for how long ! Are 

 sacrifices, human or otherwise, voluntary or involuntary, offered! Are 

 fires kindled on graves; why, and at what time, and for how long? 



6th. Burial traditions and superstitions. — Give in full all that can 

 be learned on these subjects, as they are full of interest and very important. 



In short, every fact bearing on the disposal of the dead; and correla- 

 tive customs are needed, and details should be as succinct and full as possible. 



One of the most important matters upon which information is needed 



