74 ABORIGINAL M N U M E N '1' S OF NEW YORK. 



tion, which increased the feehng of" grief with which each person seemed over- 

 come. They then used to take the bodies, arrange the separate and dry bones, 

 and place them in packets to carry on their shoulders. If any of the bodies were 

 not entirely decomposed, they separated the flesh, washed the bones, and wrapped 

 them in new beaver-skins. They then returned in the same procession in which 

 they came, and each deposited his burden in his cabin. During the procession 

 the women continued their lamentations, and the men testified the same marks of 

 grief as on the death of the person whose bones they bore. This was followed by 

 a feast in each house, in honor of the dead of the family. The succeeding days 

 were considered as public days, and were spent in dancing, games, and combats, 

 at which prizes were bestowed. From time to time they uttered certain cries, 

 which were called ' les cris des ames.'' 



" They made presents to strangers, and received presents from them on behalf 

 of the dead. These strangers sometimes came a hundred and fifty leagues. They 

 also took advantage of these occasions to treat on public affairs or select a chief. 

 Every thing passed with order, decency, and moderation ; and every one seemed 

 overcome with sentiments suitable to the occasion. Even the songs and dances 

 expressed grief in some way. After some days thus spent, all went in procession 

 to a grand council-room fitted for the occasion. They then suspended the bones 

 and bodies in the same state as they had taken them from the cemetery, and 

 placed there the presents intended for the dead. If amoeg the skeletons there 

 happened to be one of a chief, his successor gave a grand feast in his name. In 

 some cases the bodies were paraded from village to village, and every where 

 received with great demonstrations of grief and tenderness, and every where 

 presents were made to them. They then took them to the spot designated as 

 their final resting-place. All their ceremonies were accompanied with music, 

 both instrumental and vocal, to which each marched in cadence. 



" The last and common place of burial was a large pit, which was lined with 

 the finest skins and any thing which they considered valuable. The presents 

 destined for the dead were placed on one side ; and when the procession arrived, 

 each family arranged itself on a sort of scaffold around the pit ; and as soon as the 

 bodies were deposited, the women began again to cry and lament. Then all the 

 assistants descended into the pit, and each person took a handful of earth, which 

 he carefully preserved, supposing it would serve to give them success in their 

 undertakings. The bodies and bones were arranged in order, and covered with 

 furs and bark, over which were placed stones, wood, and earth. Each person then 

 returned to his home, but the women used to go back from day to day with some 

 sagamatie (pounded parched corn)."* 



'^ Charlevoix, Vol. II., p. 194, ubi supra; Creuxii Historia Canadensis, p. 97. 



