INDIAN MORTUARY CUSTOMS. 21 



In the tree mode of burial a large tree of suitable proportions and 

 location is selected, and the body is placed in one of its crotches, 

 safely lodged from the depredations of wild animals, the covering of 

 the corpse protecting it from the ravages of carnivorous bii^ds. 



On the plains the platform method is adopted through scarcity of 

 timber, and even when in the vicinity of the timber patches that 

 line the rivers, many prefer platforms to trees, this preference arising, 

 no doubt, from long usage. 



The platform method consists of four posts firmly placed in the 

 ground, at a sufficient distance from each other to make a suitable 

 platform upon the top as a receptacle for the coi'pse. The posts are 

 from eight to twelve feet high. The body being properly prepared 

 for burial is laid on this platform, and beside it the pi'ized treasures 

 of the deceased, together with the gifts of friends. 



When a chief or notable warrior dies, a lodge is placed on an emi- 

 nence or secluded spot, and the influential leader of his people is 

 honovired with this conspicuous style of burial. As the buffiilo-skin 

 lodges are no longer in existence, many of the people are erecting 

 small log buildings over the remains of their relatives, and these are 

 used indiscriminately for young and old, male and female. Since the 

 advent of religious teachers, the underground mode of burial is being 

 resorted to, and although this detracts from the fascinations of Indian 

 life for the students of American antiquities, it is pi-eferable --for the 

 advancement of the red race. Button Chief, a famous Blood Indian 

 chief, although adhering sti'ongly to the principles of Christianity, 

 said to his friends before his death : " Buiy me not in the ground 

 like a white man, I am an Indian. Lay me down as an Indian war- 

 rior, and thei'e let me rest." 



As soon as a person dies, the females in attendance upon the rela- 

 tives begin to wail bitterly, and such is the grief of the female por- 

 tion of friends and relatives that it is very difficult to obtain the 

 body for burial. One or two blankets spread on the ground form 

 the Indian's bed, and just as the deceased lies there, is he prepared 

 for burial. Having been properly ai'ranged, two or three blankets 

 are used as a covering, which, being strongly tied or sewn together, 

 constitute the Indian's coffin. Within the past few years, wooden 

 coffins are being used, although the majority of the people adhere to 

 the Indian mode of arranging the body in death. Well do I remem 



