108 SUGGESTIONS FOR COLLECTORS. 



is the "why" and "wherefore" for eveiy rite and custom; for, as a rule, 

 observers are content to simply state a certain occurrence as a fact, but 

 take very little trouble to inquire the reason for it. 



The writer would state that any material the result of careful observa- 

 tion will be most gratefully received and acknowledged in the final volume, 

 and he would here confess the lasting obligation he is under to those who 

 have already contributed in response to his call. 



Criticism and comments are earnestly invited from all those interested 

 in the special subject of this paper and anthropology in general. Contribu- 

 tions are also requested from persons acquainted with curious forms of 

 burial prevailing among other tribes of savage men. 



In addition to the many references, etc , given by the various 

 members of the Bureau of Ethnology, communications have been received 

 from the following persons, although their accounts may not have been 

 alluded to in this volume; should omissions of names have occurred it is 

 hoped attention will be called to the fact. 



The writer acknowledges with pleasure the assistance he has received 

 in reading the proof of this volume from Mr. J. C. Pilling, Dr. Thomas W. 

 Wise and Mr. R W. Hardy. 



